Tastes Of South India

South India is known for its rich culture, traditions and lip-smacking cuisine. The food from this region has a unique blend of spices and flavors that make it stand out from the rest of India. From tangy chutneys to crispy dosas, the food in south India is everything from spicy to sweet, savory to sour. In this blog, we will explore some of the tastiest south Indian dishes that are a must-try for anyone who loves good food.

1. Dosa

Dosa is one of the most loved breakfast dishes in South India, specifically in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. It is made from a fermented batter of ground rice and split black grams. The batter is then spread out on a hot griddle and cooked to perfection. The dosa is usually served with sambar and coconut chutney. Some of the popular dosa flavors include onion, masala, cheese, and paneer dosa.

2. Sambar

Sambar is a famous lentil-based vegetable stew that is made with tamarind, toor dal, and a variety of vegetables like drumsticks, brinjals, carrots, and pumpkins. It is served with dosas, idlis, and rice. The flavors of sambar vary depending on the state you are in. In Kerala, the sambar is made with coconut milk, whereas in Tamil Nadu, it is made with a mix of sambar powder and ground spices. It is an essential accompaniment to South Indian meal.

3. Idli

Idli is a famous breakfast dish in South India that is made by steaming a fermented batter of ground rice and urad dal in small round molds. It is usually served with coconut chutney and sambar. Idlis are known for their soft and fluffy texture and are a healthy meal option. One can find a variety of idlis like rava idli, masala idli, and podi idli in South India.

4. Uttapam

Uttapam is a savory pancake that is made by pouring a batter of rice and black gram on a hot griddle. It is then topped with a variety of vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and capsicum. Uttapams are usually served with coconut chutney and sambar. It is a popular street food in South India and is a must-try for anyone visiting the region.

5. Pongal

Pongal is a popular rice dish that is made by boiling rice and moong dal with milk and sugar. It is also made with jaggery and coconut in some parts of South India. The dish is usually served at breakfast and is accompanied by coconut chutney, sambar, and a side dish like potato fry or vadai. It is a simple yet delicious dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

6. Coconut Chutney

Coconut chutney is a must-try side dish that is served with almost every South Indian breakfast dish. It is made by blending coconut, roasted chana dal, green chilli, and ginger. The chutney is then tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and red chilly. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor to your meal and is an essential part of South Indian food culture.

7. Vada

Vada is a doughnut-shaped snack that is made by soaking urad dal and moong dal for a few hours and then grinding them to a smooth batter. The batter is then flavored with green chillies, ginger, onion, and curry leaves. It is then deep-fried until golden brown. It is usually served with coconut chutney and sambar. Vada is a staple food in South India and is an excellent snack to munch on at tea-time.

8. Rasam

Rasam is a tangy soup that is made with tamarind paste and a mix of ground spices. It is usually served as a starter or with rice and a side dish. The flavors of rasam vary depending on the region you are in. Some of the popular rasam flavors include tomato, garlic, and pepper rasam. It is a light and refreshing soup that is perfect for a cold day.

Conclusion

South India is a food lover's paradise. The delicacies from this region are full of flavor and are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From breakfast dishes like dosas, idlis, uttapams to snack options like vadas, the food options in South India are endless. So, when you plan your next trip to South India, don't forget to indulge in the fantastic flavors of the South Indian cuisine.