Glossary M
Masala-Flavored Noodles refer to a ready-to-cook noodle products which are available in India with an authenthic Indian taste, that of Masala.
When I was in Allepey, Kerala, India, for a while I craved for noodles and what they have given me from the food shops are also "very Indian" because even the ready-to-cook noodles are flavored with Masala and I loved it of course. I brought some packs on my way home to Germany.
I am missing the taste of Masala, I searched for Masala in the spice section of groceries here in Germany, but found only Garam Masala which has not the same taste like that of Masala I have tasted in Kerala.
In Allepey, they were laughing at me, because only little children are offered these ready-to-cook noodles. The adults will always like the traditional everyday dishes that they have. I am so happy no one shared my Masala noodles.
I added this particular food in my Glossary because it sustained my cravings while I was travelling. I enjoyed my usual noodles with a twist. It is one food whihc I will never forget and whenever I eat noodles, I will remember my happy times in Allepey, Kerala, India
While travelling to Munnar, it was so hard for me to find an eatery, but I found this one place near the Echo Point, a Thathukkada, a roadside eatery where I had my breakfast, a very good Malayalee vendor offered me ready-to-cook noodles and he cooked it for me with lots of slices of red onions. He also have some hard-boiled eggs and Masala tea. What a gracious cook.
Mutta Chikkiyathu is one of the simple foods from Kerala, India which is made from scrambled eggs which are cooked plain or with usually chopped onions and salt and pepper to taste.
Scrambled eggs are basically the eggs that are stirred when cooked and without any added ingredients on it.
In Kerala, India, they call Mutta Chikkiyathu (scrambled eggs) an Omelette when they are cooked with chopped onions, usually and some spices, and salt and cooked like Pancakes, flipped like Pancakes and looked like Pancakes.
Picture below is Mutta Chikkiyathu (Scrambled eggs) served to me during my first breakfast in Allepey, Kerala served with slices of fresh Tomatoes (Thakkali)
To see the difference, picture below is an Omelette served in a Chaya Kada/ Chayakadda on my way to Munnar
Mutta Curry refers to one of the many curries from Kerala which is made from hard -boiled eggs cooked with slices of onions, spices, such as chilies, turmeric, garlic, coriander powder, and curry leaves. Sometimes fennel seeds or Masala powder are also used and tomatoes are also added. Potatoes are often added and coconut milk is used for a perfect Kerala flavor.
Mutta Curry a very simple and common dish and is almost a part of every traditional Kerala breakfast. Even in some Restaurants around Kerala, this dish is always available for breakfast served with Puttu, Chappati, Idiyappam, Idli or rice.
A variation of Mutta Curry is called Varutharacha Mutta Curry where the eggs are cooked almost the same as simple Mutta Curry but in roasted coconut sauce made from roasting grated coconut meat.
There are 2 kinds of eggs which can be used to make this Curry. Kozhi Mutta (Chicken egg) or Tharavu Mutta (Duck Egg)
Mutta is the Malayalam word for Egg. Kozhi and Tharavu are Malayalam word for Chicken and Duck, respectively.
Below are pictures of Mutta Curry which I have tasted in Allepey, Kerala, India. It is one of the easiest Kerala recipe that I have tried cooking while I was on vacation in the Philippines.
Mutta Curry served with Chappati/Roti for breakfast
Mathi Cutlets refer to Kerala style fish cakes patties/croquettes. This particular fish cutlets are made from Mathi, the Malayalam term for Sardines.
Fish Cutlets are made from varieties of fish, such as Mathi (Sardines) which are finely chopped and mixed with boiled mashed potatoes and spices, dipped in a Kadalamavu (Chickpea flour) or Rusks made into breadcrumbs then deep-fried in Coconut oil.
Pictures below are uncooked/raw Mathi cutlets ready for frying in Coconut oil.
The next pictures below are Fish/Mathi Cutlets after deep-frying in Coconut oil. Often served with rice, curry or chutney for lunch or dinner. But can also be served as savory snacks.
Meen Porichathu also commonly called as Fish Fry is one of the popular dishes from Kerala, India which is simply fried fish which is made special by coating or marinating the cleaned fresh pieces of fish in Masala powder , then deep fry in coconut oil until they are crispy.
Coconut oil which is the favored oil for cooking by the Malayalees is the secret of delicious dishes in Kerala, India.
Please enjoy the pictures of Fish Fry made in Allepey, Kerala, India.
Picture below is called Choora Porichatu. Choora Porichathu is the Malayalam term for Tuna Fish Fry
Coating the cleaned whole piece of Tuna with Masala powder first for some time before frying in Coconut oil gives the Keralite Fish Fry its distinct tasty flavor.
Below is one of the special Fish Fry "fit for a Prince". A Karimeen Fry made from fried Pearl Spot. This is a delicious meal of Karimeen Fry served with salad of raw sweet red onions on top. Prince Charles of England ate what I have eaten in Kerala, India after a wonderful and quiet boat tour of the Backwater of Allepey.
Karimeen (Pearl spot fish) fry is a sought after delicacy in Kerala. The Pearl Spot fish is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, red chillies, and other spices and Masala Powder, too and and deep fried until crisp and golden brown. This is an exotic dish of Karimeen fry cooked Kerala style. The Karimeen fry is a spicy fried fish coated with the delicious and spicy Masala.
Karimeen is the state fish of Kerala and is one of the most important fish species in this state of India
Meen Curry is one of the popular dishes from Kerala which is made from varieties of fish available in the state, such as tuna, mackerel, sardines, and most special is the one made from Pearl Spot which is indigenous to Kerala. Other fish varieties can also be made into Meen Curry which is made by cooking the fish with several spices and curry leaves.