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Kallumakaya (Mussels): A North Malabar Delicacy

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Kallumakaya (Mussels)
Image from: goldensecretrecipes.com

The special sea food variety particularly popular in North Malabar is a delicious treat to any sea food enthusiast

Text credits: Silpa Anil

The word “kallumakaya” may ring a bell in your mind about the funky music band that appeared as Faizi’s friends in Dulquer Salman starred Ustad Hotel. But for those hailing from North Malabar, it is that distinctive taste that lingers in the mind with the mere thought of kallumakaya.

Kallumakaya, which may be a kin to the oysters, breed on rocks that are occasionally kissed by sea waves. Pearls in oysters are the slightly salty flesh inside the shiny emerald shells of kallumakaya.

The kallumakaya plucked out of the rocks contains a gross amount of dirt in and out of the shells. Therefore, considerable effort and time goes into the cleaning of kallumakaya, but the end result is definitely worth the hard work.

A variety of dishes and snacks can be made out of kallumakaya. Some of the prominent ones are as follows:

Arikkadukka (Stuffed Mussels)

Arikkaduka (Stuffed Mussels)

Source: blogspot.com

Arikkadukka (the name may differ as simply kallumakya, kadukkaa or kallumakaya nirachath in different parts of north Malabar) is a popular snack made out of kallumakaya. It is basically mussels steamed with a stuffing of flavored rice flour dough, deep or shallow fried after marinating with red chilly paste. The filling is a seasoned mixture of rice flour, coconut, shallots and cumin seeds. The inviting aroma that diffuses into the air during the process of cooking itself serves as an appetizer. Arikkaduka is a perfect tea time snack, best enjoyed with intermittent sipping from a steaming hot cup of Sulaimani (black tea).

Kallumakaya Varuthath (Fried Mussels)

Kallumakaya Fry

The flesh from the shells are scraped out and cleaned. The cleaned flesh is then marinated with a paste of red chilly powder, a pinch of turmeric and salt to taste. Then fried in coconut oil. You have the liberty of choosing between deep frying or shallow frying. Deep frying would give you crispier fries. Since scraping out the flesh is a somewhat laborious task, an easier alternative is to first cook the mussels with the shells on and then separate the flesh out of it. Further simpler alternative would be purchasing frozen mussels that are now readily available in the market. But finding comfort with the task would also lead to compromising with the real flavor of kallumakaya. Kallumakaya fry is one of the best appetizers or side dish. The spicier the fries, tastier it becomes  and goes well with the booze too!

Kallumakaya Roast

Kallummakaya Roast

Source: recipes.snydle.com

Fried kallumakaya can be reformed into a different dish by roasting it with some sauteed onions and tomatoes along with some added spices. It can further be garnished with some curry leaves and coriander leaves. The roast will be a perfect side dish for your appam for breakfast, rice for lunch and chapatis for dinner.

Kallumakaya Thoran

Kallumakaya Thoran

Source: blogspot.com

Kallumakaya thoran is a delicious non-veg thoran that goes well as a side dish for rice. It is a fine blend of grated coconut, finely chopped onions, ginger garlic paste and other spices including red chilly powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, pinch of pepper and salt to taste that is sauteed and cooked with half cooked mussels. Kallumakaya roast is ready to be served after adding in some curry leaves and mustard sauteed in coconut oil.

A lot more experimentation can be done with kallumakaya. At the end of the day, what matters is the blissful delight in savoring the taste of this exceptional gift of sea. For any sea food lover who pays a visit to North Malabar, it would be a major loss to not relish the goodness of kallumakaya!

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Food

Coffee Pairing: Foods That Complement Your Morning Brew

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International Coffee Day is a celebration for coffee lovers around the world, offering the perfect opportunity to elevate your morning coffee experience by pairing it with the right foods. While we often focus on how we brew our coffee, the right food pairing can make a world of difference, enhancing the flavors and aromas of your favorite cup of joe. Let’s dive into some delightful coffee and food pairings that will make your mornings even more enjoyable.

1. Espresso & Dark Chocolate

If you’re an espresso enthusiast, pairing this bold and concentrated coffee with dark chocolate is a match made in heaven. The richness of the chocolate complements the intensity of the espresso, balancing its bitterness while enhancing its deep, earthy notes. Try a square of dark chocolate with 70% cocoa to elevate your espresso experience.

2. Latte & Croissants

For a softer and creamier start to the day, a latte paired with a buttery croissant is a classic combination. The mild and frothy nature of the latte contrasts beautifully with the flaky, buttery layers of the croissant, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

3. Cappuccino & Almond Biscotti

Cappuccino, with its frothy milk and rich espresso base, pairs wonderfully with almond biscotti. The biscotti’s crunchy texture and subtle sweetness complement the coffee’s bold flavor, making this an ideal choice for those who enjoy dipping their snacks into their coffee.

4. Cold Brew & Avocado Toast

For a modern and trendy breakfast, cold brew coffee pairs exceptionally well with avocado toast. The smooth, refreshing flavor of cold brew contrasts with the creamy, savory taste of avocado spread on toasted sourdough, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

5. Americano & Blueberry Muffins

The subtle and smooth profile of an Americano pairs perfectly with a fruity blueberry muffin. The sweetness and slight tartness of the blueberries bring out the brighter, fruity notes in the coffee, while the muffin’s soft texture complements the light body of the Americano.

6. Mocha & Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, pairing a mocha with a cinnamon roll will satisfy your sweet tooth. The chocolatey, rich flavor of the mocha mirrors the sweetness of the cinnamon roll’s glaze, while the spiced notes from the cinnamon add a layer of complexity to the pairing.

7. Flat White & Banana Bread

Flat whites are known for their smooth, velvety texture and strong espresso flavor, making them an excellent match for the moist, dense goodness of banana bread. The banana bread’s natural sweetness and subtle flavors work well to soften the intensity of the coffee, creating a balanced taste.

8. Turkish Coffee & Baklava

For a cultural twist, pair the bold, unfiltered flavors of Turkish coffee with the sweetness of baklava. The rich, syrupy layers of filo pastry filled with nuts and honey provide the perfect complement to the strong, concentrated coffee, creating a sensory experience that is both rich and satisfying.

9. Iced Coffee & Fresh Fruit Salad

On warmer days, an iced coffee goes well with a fresh fruit salad. The chilled, refreshing nature of iced coffee enhances the natural sweetness and juiciness of fruits like melons, berries, and citrus, making it a light and healthy pairing for a quick breakfast.

10. Macchiato & Cheese Danish

For those who enjoy a macchiato, the addition of a cheese Danish offers a creamy and slightly tangy balance to the intense espresso shot topped with just a bit of milk foam. The Danish’s soft, cheesy filling contrasts well with the strong coffee, making each bite more indulgent.

The beauty of coffee lies in its versatility, and with the right pairing, you can transform your morning coffee into a more elevated culinary experience. Whether you prefer something sweet or savory, there’s a perfect food match for every type of coffee. So, on this International Coffee Day, take a moment to experiment with different pairings and discover new flavors that enhance the joy of your morning brew.

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Benefits of Including Crab in your Diet

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Crab has all the attraction of seafood without the fishy flavor that some people want to avoid. It is delightfully salty with a delicate mineral sweetness. Crabs were reportedly among the foods that coastal societies eaten a hundred years ago. On the menus of the greatest restaurants today, it stands out as the highlight dish. Crab is famous for its distinctive, exquisite flavor as well as for the health benefits it provides.

Omega-3 fatty acids and protein are abundant in crabs. The Food Experts advise two servings of fish and seafood every week, which is not difficult. 

 Good Protein Source

Crab is a low-fat, nutritious protein source that boosts metabolism and gives you energy. In reality, crab has less saturated fat and about the same amount of protein per 100 grams as other meats. 

Strengthens Heart Health

Consuming a lot of crab meat can actually benefit your cardiovascular system. The Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and protein found in crab are all beneficial sources of lowering cholesterol. Having lower cholesterol lowers your chances of heart attacks and strokes. 

Increases Brain Activity

Crabs are healthy for you since they are a high source of selenium, vitamin B2, copper, and other vital vitamins and minerals. Together with omega-3 fatty acids, these nutrients support healthy brain ageing and reduce the risk of dementia. They aid in defending against oxidative stress, inflammation, and other elements that may have an impact on the growth and health of the brain. 

Strengthens bones

You may already be aware of the significance of calcium for bone health. However, did you realize that phosphorus plays an equal role? Due to its high phosphorus content, crab flesh can aid in the development of strong, healthy teeth and bones. 

Contains selenium

Compared to other meats, crab offers a substantially higher supply of selenium. As an antioxidant, this necessary mineral not only assists in preventing cell damage from free radicals but also strengthens your immune system. Selenium aids in the regulation of your metabolism and is essential for healthy thyroid function. 

An aphrodisiac

The aphrodisiac property of crab meat promotes libido and sexual energy. They have high quantities of zinc and substances that increase estrogen and testosterone levels, enhancing sexual desire.

Makes the blood flow faster

Copper is yet another significant mineral present in crab meat. One significant advantage of copper is that it facilitates the body’s absorption of iron, which enhances the creation of red blood cells. After injuries and illnesses, proper circulation aids in the healing process. 

Consuming excessive amounts of crab can have certain unfavorable impacts, just like with most other foods. If you eat too much of some of the nutrients in crab, such copper and zinc, you could get sick. Crab, however, is a fairly nutritious item to eat in moderation unless you have a seafood allergy, and adverse effects are uncommon. Before consuming any seafood, always make sure you don’t have any allergies.

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The Taste Of Malayali Kitchen In Sweden

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A Kochi-based malayali is creating a sensation by preparing Kerala Cuisine in the foreign swedish kitchen. Devi Nair, who has been settled in Sweden with her husband for almost 10 years, wanted her daughter to experience the delicacies of the Malyaali culture along with her International palette. The sense of homesickness and nostalgia has a part to play in this venture as well. In recent years, as the pandemic hit she chose to share her cooking extravaganzas on Instagram which led her to become more known to the public. Her recipes featured celebratory treats like the Bengali confection Rosbora, local parotta, and non-vegetarian Kerala foods that are popular on social media because they’re simple to make yet delicious to eat and look at. Devi whips up a storm of authentic Kerala delicacies during Malayali festivals. Tender, plump unniyappam, spongy kozhukkatta, rice dumplings, Vishu ada, and Vishu katta are just a few of the items on her Vishu menu this year. She prepared undaputtu with spicy prawn filling, kilikkoodu with meat and egg white, and ammini kozhukatta, a spicy rice dumpling, for Eid. It is also heard that she is planning to launch her own bakery in Sweden as well. 

Words By : Goutham Satheesh

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