Chettinadu cuisine needs no introduction as it has captivated many food lovers from around the globe with its rich, spicy and distinct textured flavour. Drool-inducing Nattukozhi Kozhambu (country chicken), Aatukari Kozhambu (lamb), Karaikudi Eral (prawn) masala and other Chettinadu dishes are sure to impress the gourmet in you.
The darling of non-vegetarian palates, the cuisine originated from the Chettinad regions of Tamil Nadu like Karaikudi, Devakottai, Pudukottai, etc.. and went on to become one of the popular cuisines of Tamil Nadu. What makes Chettinadu cuisine stand out is its ingenious use of freshly ground Chettinadu masala using various spices like fenugreek, star anise, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, peppercorns, and cumin seeds. This masala, along with generous portions of onions, tomatoes, coconut, ginger and garlic, elevates the regional dish into its divine form.
The Chettinadu style, especially of the chicken and lamb curries, makes it the most sought-after South Indian cuisine in the world. Idli, dosa, idiyappam, parotta, appam and various types of rice preparation are some of the main food items that these Chettinadu curries are consumed with.
Some of the popular vegetarian dishes from the Chettinad kitchen are Panniyaram, Kozhukkattai, Urlai Roast, Vendakkai Mandi, Seedai and Athirasam.
Chettinad chicken curry is one of the best ways to cook chicken in a blend of all the authentic Chettinad spices. This aromatic dish is the flag bearer of the Chettinad cuisine made of freshly ground spices along with generous portions of shallots, tomatoes, ginger, chillies and coconut. The spicy and fiery Chettinad chicken curry is served with ghee rice, idli, dosa, idiyappam, appam, etc.
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Karaikudi Prawn masala is another flavourful dish from Chettinad cuisine, a dish that no seafood lover should ever miss! This Chettinad prawn masala is easy to prepare, and the sweet prawns blend well with the heady Chettinad spices. The Karaikudi Prawn masala is finger-licking good and is served best with steamed rice or porotta.
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Chettinad Kuzhi Paniyaram is a popular snack in Tamil Nadu which is also served as breakfast/dinner with sambar or chutney as a side dish. There is no better way to put the leftover idli/dosa batter to better use than by making super soft and fluffy paniyarams. The authentic Chettinad Kuzhi Paniyaram is easy to make, and is sure to be a favourite evening snack for children.
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The Chettinad Uppu Kozhukkattai is an easy evening snack and traditional dish made of rice flour. Since Kozhukkattai is a steamed dish, it is a healthy alternative to fried snack items, perfect for children and health freaks.
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The flavourful and spicy Chettinad Urulai roast or potato fry is an easy and quickly-made side dish that has all the authentic flavours found in Chettinad recipes. Urulai roast goes well with almost anything but is best eaten with rice in South Indian meals. The dish is made using freshly-ground spices and elevates any ordinary meal to a delightful experience.
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The delectable cuisine of Tamil Nadu is a culinary style which dates to antiquity and has since influenced the other states of South and South-East Asia.
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Next time you visit Tamil Nadu explore beyond idli, vada and sambar. Instead savour each regional cuisine that boasts of unique cooking methods and spices. They have been backed with heirloom family recipes, ancient culture and traditions, community history and external influences.
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No meal can be treated as complete without the desserts. The indulgent desserts of Tamil Nadu are exquisite and nutritious. Most are healthy preparations using less sugar and include healthy proteins like green gram and chickpea.
2 years agoHere is some useful information we would like you to know before you jump on a plane.
