Boost Your South Indian Dishes With These Simple Kitchen Hacks

South Indian cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant and diverse flavours, from the dry and fluffy idli paired with tangy sambhar to crispy dosa with coconut chutney. While these dishes are delicious, making them at home can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you perfect your South Indian cooking:

Rasam

Rasam, a staple in South Indian meals, is typically served with rice and a vegetable side. It’s a flavorful concoction of tamarind, tomatoes, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and other spices. For a unique twist, try using the water from boiled peas when preparing rasam. This addition enhances the flavour and adds a delightful richness to the dish.

Banana Stems

Banana leaves are often used as plates in South Indian cuisine, but banana stems can turn black if not properly stored. To prevent this, soak the stems in tamarind water instead of buttermilk. This simple trick helps keep the stems fresh and visually appealing.

Bondas

Bondas are deep-fried snacks that vary from savory to slightly sweet depending on the region. To add a new flavour dimension, experiment by mixing dates (khajur) into the urad dal mixture. Grinding a portion of dal with dates will impart a subtle sweetness to the bondas, making them a hit with both children and adults.

Dahi Vadas

Dahi Vadas are typically served with spicy and tangy chutneys, but if you’re out of chutneys, sprinkle roasted cumin seeds on top. This simple addition will enhance the aroma and taste of the dish, making it just as delightful.

Beetroot Stir Fry

If you’re making beetroot stir fry and don’t have grated coconut, try using roasted gram powder (sattu) instead. It adds a wonderful aroma and texture to the dish.

Storing Curd

To prevent curd from turning sour or going bad, add a bit of crushed ginger before storing. This helps maintain its freshness for a longer time.

Addition of Salt

Mixing a small amount of salt with flour can help prevent insect infestations.

Dosa Sticking to Tawa

To avoid dosas sticking to the hot tawa, rub a mixture of tamarind and oil, or simply use an onion. This will ensure your dosa comes out crispy and perfect every time.

These tips will help you enhance your South Indian dishes, making them more flavorful and easier to prepare.