Tamil Nadu Cuisine
Tamil Nadu is famous for its hospitality and its deep belief that serving food to
others is a service to humanity as is common in many regions of India. The region
has a rich cuisine involving both vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes. It is
characterized by the use of rice, legumes and lentils, its distinct aroma and
flavour achieved by the blending of spices including curry leaves, tamarind,
coriander, ginger, garlic, chilli, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin, nutmeg,
coconut and rosewater.
Rice and legumes play an important role in Tamil cuisine. Lentils are also consumed
extensively, either accompanying rice preparations, or in the form of independent
dishes. Vegetables and dairy products are essential accompaniments.
On special occasions, traditional Tamil dishes are prepared in almost the same way
as they were centuries ago—preparations that call for elaborate and leisurely
cooking, and served in traditional style and ambience. The traditional way of
eating a meal involves being seated on the floor, having the food served on a
banana leaf, and using clean fingers of the right hand to transfer the food to the
mouth. After the meal, the fingers are washed, and the banana leaf becomes food
for cows. A typical tamilian would eat Idly/Dosai/uthappam etc for breakfast
and rice accompanied by lentil preparations Sambar, Rasam and curd.
Because of modernization, urbanization, cosmopolitan culture and the break-up of
the joint family system, compromises and adaptations are being made. A movement
towards a simpler cuisine can be sensed. Urbanization has introduced
Western-style seating arrangements at traditional events with tables, chairs,
plates and cutlery becoming the norm, and food being served buffet-style.
Despite changes in practices and their cultural implications, Tamil cuisine retains
its basic character in the use of ingredients, and its aroma and flavour remain
unchanged.
Spices Available
Curry leaves
They are used as a seasoning in Indian Cooking. The curry leaves lose their
delicate fragrance when dried, you should try to obtain them fresh; don't waste
your time with the dried stuff!
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