The Kerala Kitchen, Expanded Edition: Recipes and Recollections from the Syrian Christians of South India

The Kerala Kitchen is an award-winning cookbook that offers a culinary journey to Kerala, India, through its rich culinary heritage and stories. With over 170 recipes and a guide to spices, herbs, and equipment, the book transports readers to the scenic land and its vibrant spice market. The recipes are authentic and easy to prepare, accompanied by tales of bygone eras and the compelling pull of the present.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Hippocrene Books Inc.,U.S.

Now in an expanded edition with new recipes and photographs, this unique cookbook-memoir transports readers to Kerala, a verdant, tropical state on the Malabar Coast of South India. Since ancient times, seafarers and traders have been drawn by the lure of spices to Kerala. Saint Thomas also traveled this spice route, converting several Brahmin families who later intermarried with Syrians who had settled here; thus was born the vibrant Syrian Christian community of Kerala. Today, Ayurvedic massage resorts and backwater cruises make this scenic land a top tourist destination, and spices still draw both travelers and gourmands to its rich culinary heritage. It is this legacy that The Kerala Kitchen brings us, through more than 170 recipes and the stories that accompany them.

Authentic and easy to prepare, these recipes are adapted for the North American kitchen, and accompanied by a guide to spices, herbs, and equipment, as well as a glossary of food terms. Interwoven between these recipes, in the best tradition of the cookbook memoir, are tales of talking doves, toddy shops, traveling chefs, and killer coconuts, evoking the beauty of a bygone era as well as the compelling pull of the present one.

Sample recipes:

Meen Vevichathu (Fish Curry Cooked in a Clay Pot)

Parippu (Lentils with Coconut Milk)

Thiyal (Shallots with Tamarind and Roasted Coconut)

Pesaha Appam (Steamed Rice Bread)

Paalappam (Lace-Rimmed P.

The Kerala Kitchen is a culinary treasure that celebrates the rich and diverse flavors of Kerala, a state in southern India known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and aromatic cuisine. Written by acclaimed author Abraham Verghese, this cookbook offers a glimpse into the heart of Kerala's culinary traditions, featuring a collection of over 170 mouthwatering recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

From the spicy and savory Meen Vevichathu (Fish Curry Cooked in a Clay Pot) to the creamy and comforting Parippu (Lentils with Coconut Milk), each recipe is carefully crafted to reflect the unique flavors and ingredients that are synonymous with Kerala cuisine. The book also includes a comprehensive guide to spices, herbs, and equipment, as well as a glossary of food terms, making it an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced cooks.

What sets The Kerala Kitchen apart is its storytelling aspect. Interwoven between the recipes are tales of talking doves, toddy shops, traveling chefs, and killer coconuts, which evoke the beauty of a bygone era as well as the compelling pull of the present one. These stories add depth and charm to the cookbook, making it more than just a collection of recipes.

Whether you are a seasoned chef or a culinary enthusiast looking to explore new flavors, The Kerala Kitchen is a must-have cookbook that will transport you to the enchanting land of Kerala. With its authentic and easy-to-follow recipes, stunning photographs, and captivating stories, this book is sure to inspire and delight you. So why wait? Get your copy today and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more!

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 203 x 229 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780781814447