Below is a brief overview of the dishes served with rice or appam:
1. **Fish Pollichathu**: This is a popular Kerala dish where fish is marinated in a mixture of spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and then grilled or steamed. The banana leaves impart a unique flavor to the fish.
2. **Fish Curry**: Kerala is famous for its fish curries, which are made with a variety of fish, coconut milk, and a blend of spices. Tamarind or raw mango is often used to give the curry its characteristic tanginess.
3. **Prawns Puttu**: Prawns Puttu is a delightful dish made with ground prawns, grated coconut, and spices. It's typically steamed in bamboo shoots or cylindrical molds, giving it a distinctive shape.
4. **Avial**: Avial is a traditional Kerala mixed vegetable dish cooked with coconut and yogurt. It's seasoned with coconut oil and curry leaves and has a mild, slightly tangy taste.
5. **Thoran**: Thoran is a dry vegetable dish made with grated coconut and various vegetables like beans, cabbage, or carrots. It's typically flavored with mustard seeds and curry leaves.
6. **Pickle**: Pickles play an essential role in Kerala cuisine. Mango pickle and lime pickle are among the most popular. They're made by marinating the fruits or vegetables in a mixture of spices, salt, and oil.
7. **Papad**: Papad or papadam is a thin, crispy Indian flatbread. It's usually served as a side dish or appetizer. In Kerala, papads are often made with rice flour.
8. **Payasam**: Payasam is a sweet, creamy dessert made with milk, sugar, and sometimes jaggery. It can be flavored with cardamom, saffron, or nuts. Ada Pradhaman, made with rice flakes and jaggery, is a famous variation.
9. **Tea**: Kerala is known for its strong and flavorful tea. It's often brewed with spices like cardamom and ginger, and served with milk and sugar.
