10 Delicious Coconut-Made Dishes To Try in Kerala

by Ankita Sehgal Freelance Blogger, Lives in New Delhi

Kerala has some of the best dishes available for true coconut lovers. The state also prepares coconut-infused dishes as vegetarian alternatives to seafood & meaty classics. The hard-shelled superfood is filled with good fats that energizes the body instantly. Travellers need to try these fine coconut dishes on their next visit to Kerala.

Kaalan

Kaalan is a complex main dish prepared with papaya, yam and yogurt. Coconuts are shredded and blended straight into the cuisines, which is ultimately served with red chillies and fresh curry leaves. Some of the best 5 star hotels in Kerala, including The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal, prepare Kaalan the traditional way for guests to try out.

Kozhukatta

Kozhukatta is a delicious dumpling preparation that is served with coconut and jaggery. It’s one of the most popular dishes to order, especially during long meetings at the top business hotels in Kerala.

Aviyal

Coconut is mixed with cumin seeds, dried chillies and plantain, to give diners a gravy-based treat. Travellers can enjoy Aviyal even more by topping it off with some virgin Coconut oil.

Coconut Curry

A traditional coconut curry is an extremely versatile base that can serve as multiple flavour profiles in one sitting. When added to meat, it can be a well-balanced treat for every type of craving.

Puttu

Puttu is another popular preparation that is indigenous to Kerala’s local eateries. It’s essentially a rice cylinder that has coconut layered inside it as a stuffing. Diners can choose to make it sweet or savoury depending on their preferences.

Ela Ada

The preparation is must try when visiting the great state, especially if you’re looking for an authentic look into Kerala’s rich heritage. The rice flour pocket dish generally has mashed bananas and sweet Coconut inside as a filling.

Palappams

These soft delectable pancakes are prepared using rice flour, coconut and salt. They resemble a Dosa in shape but can also be used as a base for a mix vegetable preparation. Diners often use the dish as a chapati substitute.

Cherupayaru mezhkupuratti

Cherupayaru mezhkupuratti is a sadya preparation which is plated as a dry dish. The stir-fried veggies are presented with a healthy heap of grated coconuts, along with dry spices topped off.

Thoran

Thoran is a fan favourite among the Keto community, owing to its coconut filled goodness and healthy serving of nutritious vegetables. Diners can add extra grated coconut to make it even more coastal in flavour.

Erissery

The traditional way of making this dish involves mixing coconut gravy with red chillies, mustard and pumpkin seeds. The base is then added to warm beans to give it that coconut-infused texture.