Anna Zacharria’s Duck Curry
I first tasted this Duck Curry in 2014 and dreamed of learning how to make it. It’s got a depth of flavour that comes from deeply caramelized onions, fresh local duck and the lusciousness of coconut cream pulling all these signature flavours of the region together. We are deeply grateful to Anna for sharing her …
Chennamkary
The first time I visited Alleppey in the Backwaters of Kerala, it was to enjoy a houseboat cruise and to take a walk with an elder in the tiny village of Chennamkary. I wanted to learn about the way of life there. It was 2012. Houseboating I spent 24 hours cruising the lakes and channels …
Anna Zacharria
On a small island called Chennamkary deep in the Alleppey District of Kerala, Anna Zacharria, standing about five feet tall, quietly chops at her kitchen counter. Rays of sun fall through the partially shaded window. They highlight white streaks through her long black hair which is pulled back in a loose plait. A few loose …
Pumpkin Tales’ Warm Morning Glory Bowl
This hearty bowl is grainfree and served warm for breakfast. It’s a completely nourishing way to start the day and each time we visited the cheery Pumpkin Tales cafe, Karen had to have it.
Pumpkin Tales’ Pumpkin Soup
This light and lively soup is a reflection of Chennai as a cosmopolitan city with culinary influences as varied as the cultures that make up it’s bulging populace. With its finish of coconut milk, and the Indian people’s love of pumpkins, it fits in perfectly as South Indian cuisine. Use cream instead of the coconut …
Chennai
Chennai had always served as a jumping off point for us. We’d usually land in the wee hours of the morning from an overseas flight and bolt straight south to Mamallapuram like a child to the loving comfort of it’s mother’s arms. We never spent anytime in Chennai because, like children perhaps, we found it …
Chennai’s Charmer – chef Chindi Varadarajulu
Charm It is defined as the power to give delight or, to control or achieve as if by magic. Our friend Chindi Varadarajulu, executive chef and co-owner of Pumpkin Tales in Chennai, is full of charm. Perpetually smiling and caring for others, she’s a bubbling fountain of energy who gives delight to all who know …
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Utappam – thick pancakes topped with vegetables
After our dosa-making lesson with chef Dhiraj at Grande Bay Resort in Mamallapuram, he looked at all the batter his talented team had produced and with a sparkle in his eye, started to flex his creative chef brain. Pretty soon we were flipping these Utappams and fortunately for Pauli-Ann and I, this thicker version of …
Read more about Utappam – thick pancakes topped with vegetables
Vazhapoo* Vadai – banana flower fritters
The banana flower is a long burgundy bell or bulb-like protrusion found at the base of a bunch of bananas. Peel back a layer of leaves and you’ll find delicate florets that can be plucked and chopped for these crispy fritter delicacies. They make a delicious snack or starter. Before you make this recipe, we …