A few summers ago I found myself in front of a small temple on the banks of the Thootha River. I’d call it nondescript, and it probably had nothing on the majestic temples Kerala is so famous for. But I fell in love with it the moment I saw it. Located in my friend’s...
The Mystic Spice Series Part II
If you have been to Kerala, I am certain you have come across what the Malayalees call a thattukada or, their version of a roadside eatery. Come to think of it, thattukadas exist across India, albeit with slight variations from region to region. In Kerala for example, it consists of a large wooden shack,...
The Mystic Spice Series Part I
Sometime in the 15th century, fleets of ships from West Europe, laden with gold, would make their way to India’s west coast. Only to return home, laden with gold again, albeit a different kind. Sacks of pepper, considered so essential to European life, would fill up the containers of these vessels. In the olden...
Mundus And More: Dressing Up In God’s Own Country
In the early 19th century, it is said that the women of Southern Kerala had to adhere to a strange tax norm. They had to pay a tax if they wanted to cover their breasts! The appalling “breast tax” policy (mulakkaram) was especially earmarked for the lower caste women living in the erstwhile princely...
Kozhi Varutharachathu
Our spice themed blogs in this issue calls for a spice-rich recipe. We bring to you Kozhi Varutharachathu or chicken cooked in roasted ground coconut and spices from the kitchen of Mystic Spice. Preparation: 30 minutes Serves: 1 portion Ingredients: Chicken 250 grams Garlic 10 grams Ginger 5 grams Shallots 30 grams Turmeric 2...