Kerala is a state of spices and coconuts and hence, the two cannot be separated from its local dishes. Non-vegetarian dishes from Kerala are absolute delights with loads of spices and flavours. Some of the tastiest non-vegetarian food items from Kerala are mentioned here:
15 Non-Veg Foods to Eat in Kerala
1. Squid Fry
Sea food is popular in Kerala. The dish is made from squids that are cut into rings, marinated and then fried on medium flame until they turn golden brown. These spicy rings are tangy in taste and unforgettable.
2. Squid Curry
Squid is also available in curry which tastes equally good. It is prepared in a similar manner as the squid fry except that instead of being deep-fried, the marinated squid is cooked with vegetables and coconut milk. You cannot be coming to Kerala and not tasting this zesty Squid Curry.
3. Beef Fry
Beef is synonymous with Kerala’s cuisine. It is a staple of the locals. The beef is cooked in Kerala style with a mix of coconut and onions. Once the meat is cooked, it is coated with pepper, ginger garlic paste, curry leaves, and mustard seeds. It is best had with Paratha.
4. Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu (Spicy Chicken Fry)
Chicken is loved by almost every non-vegetarian. Kerala has its own version of Chicken Fry. The chicken is fried with onion, garlic, chilli, vinegar and coriander and served on a banana leaf. Its fiery and spicy taste will leave you wanting more.
5. Aila Curry
Aila (Mackerel Fish) Curry is a unique kind of fish curry from Kerala. The fish is cooked in a clay pot so that the flavours are absorbed in the fish. Aila Curry owes its perfect blend of sourness and spice to the addition of dried Kudampuli (Gambooge). It is known to taste best when served a day after it is cooked.
6. Kerala Karimeen Fry
Pearl Spotted Fish is used to make this dish. The fish is marinated in spices and then, fried on a low flame until it gets a deep red hue. The great flavours of the spices will make you fall in love with the place and the dish.
7. Fish Molee
Kerala is surrounded by seas which makes it obvious to have a great dish made with fish. Lightly fried fish is made into a stew in an earthen pot. It is not as spicy as traditional Kerala recipes, so the flavour of the fish dominates the stew. It is made in coconut milk. Spices like turmeric, pepper, cinnamon and cloves along with fresh green chillies are added to give a tangy flavour. The fish used to prepare the dish is usually a kingfish or a seer fish.
8. Kerala Chicken Roast
Kerala has its own kind of roasted chicken. The chicken is first marinated in spices and fried, after which it is cooked with vegetables and coconut milk until the gravy thickens. The Kerala Chicken Roast is a must-try for anyone travelling to Kerala.
9. Thalassery Biryani
It hails from the Malabar region of India. Thalassery Biryani makes use of local rice Khyma or jeerakasala, which is cooked separately from the meat and added only at the time of serving. Thalassery Biryani is a mix of sweet and spicy flavours.
10. Kallummakkaya
Kallummakkaya is the name for mussels in the Malayalam language. It is cooked in many ways like kallummakkaya fry, kallummakkaya roast, kallummakkaya curry and kallummakkaya biriyani. This dish is commonly served in Thalassery and is not served in all parts of Kerala. However, it becomes an absolute favourite of anyone who tries it.
11. Naadan Kozhi Curry
It is a dish in which the spices and meat blend together to give the perfect taste. Naadan kozhi curry can be combined with anything- plain rice, ghee rice, pulao, biryani, naan, pathiri, chapati and even with a piece of bread. If you are a fan of non-veg food, you surely cannot miss this one.
12. Erachi Varutharacha Curry
It is a fried-ground mutton curry. The marinated beef is roasted in coconut gravy and the chipped coconut adds to the flavour. Erachi varutharacha curry can be eaten with puttu or appam. Both of these are a delightful combination.
13. Chatti Pathiri
It is a layered pastry dish similar to lasagna. It is most popular in the Northern Malabar region. Chatti Pathiri is a sweet dish made of flour, egg and oil and seasoned with cardamom and other spices along with nuts and dry fruit. It is one of the major dishes prepared at the end of the Ramadan fasting period.
14. Kerala Fish Curry
The red coloured fish curry is a lip-smacking dish from Kerala. Tomatoes, onions, garlic, green chillies, red chilli powder, turmeric, curry leaves and coconut paste are ingredients of this dish but it is coconut milk and cocoum that give it a different taste from the normal fish curry. It is prepared in clay pots for great taste.
15. Kerala Prawn Curry
Any trip to Kerala is incomplete without tasting the Prawn curry. The traditional prawn curry of Kerala is sprinkled with chilli, salt, pepper and then dipped in lots of coconut milk, jaggery and finally served with curry leaves. It is amazing how simple ingredients such as these can be mixed to produce such a flavoursome dish.
Read also – 12 Drinks to Make Your Spanish Vacation Unforgettable
