Monsoon Magic in Kerala

 Kerala Cooking Tools: Traditional Utensils That Add Flavors to Delicacies

Kerala, often referred to as "God's Own Country," is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes but also its rich culinary heritage. The traditional cooking tools used in Kerala play a significant role in shaping the flavors and textures of authentic dishes. These tools have been passed down through generations, and their usage continues to be an integral part of Kerala's culinary traditions. Let's explore some of these unique and essential cooking tools that are cherished by Keralites.

1.     Appa Chatti: The Appa Chatti is a distinctive concave-shaped pan used for making Appam, a popular rice pancake. This pan is typically made of cast iron or non-stick material and is designed to give the Appams their characteristic shape and crispy edges. The concave shape allows the batter to spread evenly, resulting in a perfect golden-brown Appam.

2.     Cheena Chatti: The Cheena Chatti, also known as the Chinese Wok, is a deep frying pan introduced to Kerala by Chinese traders. It is made of either aluminum or cast iron and is commonly used for deep-frying various delicacies. The Cheena Chatti's unique shape and depth make it ideal for frying snacks like banana chips, crispy pakoras, and crunchy snacks that Kerala is famous for.

3.     Dosa Kallu: The Dosa Kallu is a cast iron griddle specifically designed for making Dosas, thin and crispy rice pancakes. This heavy-bottomed griddle retains and distributes heat evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked Dosas with a delightful golden-brown colour. The Dosa Kallu is a prized possession in Kerala kitchens, where Dosas are a staple breakfast item.

4.     Mun Chatty: The Mun Chatty is a traditional clay pot used for cooking curries. While modern non-stick pans have become popular for curry preparation, the Mun Chatty still holds a special place in Kerala kitchens. Cooking curries in a clay pot imparts a unique earthy flavour and aroma to the dishes, elevating the culinary experience. Additionally, clay pots are considered environmentally friendly and a healthier alternative to non-stick cookware.

5.     Puttu Steamer: Puttu, a cylindrical steamed rice cake, is a staple breakfast dish in Kerala. The Puttu Steamer is a specially designed utensil used for steaming roasted rice flour, resulting in fluffy and flavourful Puttu. It consists of a cylindrical vessel with alternating layers of rice flour and grated coconut, cooked with steam generated by boiling water in the base.

6.     Idli/Idiyappam Tattu: The Idli/Idiyappam Tattu is a traditional mould used for making Idlis (steamed rice cakes) and Idiyappam (string hoppers). These moulds are typically made of stainless steel or aluminum

and come in various shapes and sizes. They enable the preparation of perfectly shaped and uniform Idlis and Idiyappams, which are enjoyed with coconut chutney or spicy curries.

7.     Seva Nazhi: The Seva Nazhi is an extruder or mould used for making Idiyappams. It is a cylindrical utensil with a plunger and a set of small perforated discs. The Idiyappam dough is loaded into the cylindrical portion, and by pressing the plunger, thin strands of dough are extruded through the perforated discs, giving them their unique texture.

8.     Unni appam Pan: Unni appam, a sweet and fluffy snack made with rice flour, jaggery, and bananas, is a specialty of Kerala. The Unni appam Pan is a shallow pan with multiple concave slots that hold the batter. This pan allows for uniform cooking and gives the Unni appams their characteristic round shape and golden colour.

9.     Uruli/Varpu: The Uruli or Varpu is a large, flat utensil made of aluminum or bronze. It is traditionally used for cooking large-volume dishes like sadya (traditional feast) curries, biryanis, and stews. The wide and shallow design of the Uruli enables even heat distribution and easy stirring, making it ideal for preparing elaborate meals.

10.  Achappam Stencil or Mould: Achappam, also known as Rosette Cookies, is a popular snack in Kerala. The Achappam Stencil or Mould is a unique tool used to shape the delicate, lacy patterns of these fried cookies. The batter is poured into the stencil, which is then immersed in hot oil, resulting in beautiful, crispy, and intricately designed Achappams.

In conclusion, the traditional cooking tools of Kerala are not only essential for preparing authentic dishes but also contribute to the unique Flavors, textures, and aesthetics of the cuisine. These tools have stood the test of time and continue to be cherished by Keralites, preserving the culinary traditions of the region. So, the next time you Savor a delicious Kerala dish, remember the role played by these age-old utensils in creating a truly memorable gastronomic experience.