For our first regional Indian pop up dinner, after much deliberation, we have chosen to do the vibrant coastal cuisine of the tropical southern state of Kerala. For centuries, Kerala has been renowned for its spices that drew European explorers to India in the 16th and the 17th centuries. Keralan cooking reflects the three main geographical areas of the state – the Cardamom Hills, the Backwaters and the Malabar Coast. Its distinctive cuisine is influenced as much by its abundance of fresh ingredients (including coconut, fish, ginger, black pepper, chilies, tamarind and curry leaves) as the diversity of its multi-cultural communities of the Syrian Christians, Muslims, Jews and Hindus. 

This dinner will feature some of our favorite Kerala dishes that we have discovered while traveling in Kerala and perfected over the years in our home kitchen. 

Space is limited to 8 diners, so sign up soon to reserve your spot.

The Menu (subject to minor changes): 

  • A bubbly drink served with some tasty munchies
  • Rasam, lentil broth spiced with a blend of spices, tomatoes, curry leaves and tamarind, a South Indian classic.
  • Pan-fried prawns marinated in Kerala spices.
  • Nadan Fish Curry. This exotic fish curry from the Backwaters has everything you want in a Kerala fish curry. It is spicy, tangy (with the exotic dried berries called kodampoli), has a smooth, velvety sauce made with coconut milk and is visually stunning. 
  • Meen Molee. This mellow and aromatic fish curry is another classic and comes from northern Kerala, influenced by the Arab spice traders and the Portuguese settlers. 
  • Green bean thoran.  Thorans are Kerala-style dry-ish stir-fried vegetables and this one is my favorite, with shredded coconut and curry leaves.
  • Beet pachadi. Pachadi is a Kerala version of the northern raita, but quite different.
  • Kerala red rice / Jasmine rice
  • Payasam, classic southern rice pudding with golden raisins, slivered almonds and cardamom.
  • A dessert wine or digestive.

Note: This menu is totally pescatarian.

Included:

* A welcome bubbly drink

* 7+ Delicious Kerala dishes

* Stories (ours and yours) about Kerala and elsewhere

* A good time for all

Not Included:

* Wine, Beer. Feel free to bring your own. 

 

 

 

Where?

1088 SW Westwood Drive

Portland, OR 97239