Fall in Love With These 10 Vishu Foods

Kerala is all set to have its glorious firework festival Vishu on April 15^th, the day when the state celebrates its traditional New Year. While the smell of busted crackers fills the air, these refreshing, spicy dishes add a signature to the festival. Popularly called as ‘Vishu Sadhya’, they truly reflect the proud legacy of Kerala cuisines.

1. Neyyappam (Rice pancakes fried in ghee)

Get ready to snack these rice flour and jaggery pancakes, fried in ghee, any time you visit the state during April. They are made in advance to arrange them with Vishu kani, an assortment of auspicious things that is viewed when one opens his eyes on the day of Vishu festival. Perfect for a tea snack as well.

2. Unniyappam

If you like upping the sweetness of Neyyapam, grab-a-bite one of these unniyappams. These small round snacks are made from rice, jaggery, banana, roasted coconut pieces, roasted sesame seeds, ghee and cardamom powder – a bonus you need to finish up a Vishu sadhya.

3. Sambhar

Although made almost every day in South Indian households and are clubbed with the traditional ‘Idli’ and ‘dosa’, Sambhar still holds its position of being the most important dish in the Vishu sadhya. It is full of zingy goodness, with its vegetable pieces and masalas.

4. Puliserry or Moru curry (Curd curry)

Kerala lessens the spicy hits of Sambhar with a little Pullisery or Moru curry. Based on curd, this side dish is often served with rice and are spirited up by adding pieces of ash gourd, cucumber or even pineapple.

5. Avial

Vishu sadhya is never warmed up without an Avial. A rich combo of mixed vegetables, curd and scraped coconut, the dish is a healthy choice and has gained an equal fanfare in neighboring states as well.

6. Puli Inji curry (Sweet-sour ginger pickle)

With their deadly love for spices, it is not surprising that Keralite came up with a curry made of ginger. Served as an appetizer, they are digestive aids and are one of the most loved dishes of Vishu.

7. Payasam/Kheer

Payasams or Kheer is an inevitable part of any Kerala food feasts. They are truly adorable for sweet tooths’ with a mixed tastes of boiling rice, broken wheat, vermicelli, milk and sugar. Pal payasam (Milk Kheer), Parippu payasam, pineapple payasam etc., are a few varieties prepared during Vishu and they are served as a dessert for an impressive end.

8. Ethakka Upperi (Banana chips)

The crispy Ethakka Upperi or banana chips, is a perfect was to cosy up after a heavy lunch. They make memorable mouthwatering affair once bitten as a combination of Sarkara varatti upperi, another hero of Vishu Sadhya.

9. Sarkara Varatti-Upperi (Jaggery coated banana chips)

Chop bananas into thick pieces, deep fry them and mix into melted jaggery, there you get tasty Sarkara Varatti Upperi or (Jaggery coated banana chips). Its crunchiness makes a hearty Vishu Sadhya.

10. Pappadam (Papad)

What Vishu sadhya without a pappadam? You will love these crisp, disc-shaped food made out of seasoned dough.