Traditional Kerala Snacks and Sweets
I grew up with these flavors in Kerala. Now, I prepare these traditional sweets and savory snacks right here in Mumbai, just the way my mother taught me.
This is the making of Unniyappam, a sweet rice cake that is a festival favorite from my childhood. I make the batter with rice, jaggery, and banana, and fry it in coconut oil for that authentic taste.
A close look at homemade Ada, a traditional Kerala sweet. It is a rice parcel steamed in a banana leaf, with a sweet filling of coconut and jaggery inside.
A simple plate of Ada. For me, food is meditation, and preparing these simple, traditional sweets connects me to my roots and childhood memories.
A plate of hot, crispy Mini Vadas, a perfect savory snack, especially during the monsoon. I serve them with fried green chilies, just the way they are enjoyed back home.
A top view of the Mini Vadas. These small, round fritters are made from a lentil batter and are a popular South Indian tea time snack.
About Kerala Snacks & Sweets
I make my Unniyappam batter from scratch using fresh jaggery and bananas, and I fry everything in coconut oil. It is a slow process, but that is the only way to get the true, deep flavor I remember from my childhood festivals.
For me, cooking is an extension of my yoga practice. It requires patience, presence, and simple ingredients. When I make these snacks, I am not just filling a plate, I am sharing a piece of my heritage from Kerala.
My Approach to Snacks
I do not believe in shortcuts or mass production. Every batch of Unniyappam—the sweet rice cake I enjoyed during festivals as a child—is made with a batter of rice, jaggery, and banana, fried to perfection in coconut oil.
Similarly, my Ada is a traditional rice parcel steamed in banana leaf, holding a warm filling of coconut and jaggery. For savory cravings, especially during the Mumbai monsoon, I prepare crispy Mini Vadas. These are simple lentil fritters served with fried green chilies, keeping the tradition exactly as it is back home.
Why Order These?
- Traditional Recipes: No artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Home-Cooked: Prepared in my own kitchen in Seawoods, Navi Mumbai.
- Mindful Preparation: Each snack is made with the same attention I bring to my yoga classes.
Whether you are hosting a small gathering or just miss the taste of home, these snacks bring the comfort of a Kerala kitchen to your table. If you have specific dietary preferences or need a larger quantity for an event, reach out to me directly.
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