My First Encounter with Kozhukatta and Arioounda in Kerala



 Kerala, the land of backwaters, beaches, and coconut trees, is also known for its delectable cuisine. The food in Kerala is not just delicious but also has a unique blend of flavors and spices that can tantalize your taste buds. When I first visited Kerala in June 2022,  with my close ones, I got the chance to taste some of its authentic dishes, including Kozhukatta and Arioounda.

We stayed at Muvattupuzha block in Ernakulam district, I had the opportunity to taste Arioounda and Kozhukatta for the first time at an uncle's place in Kerala. The warm hospitality of the family and the delectable traditional  snacks made for an unforgettable experience. Kozhukatta, also known as Modak, is a sweet dumpling made of rice floor and stuffed with jaggery and grated coconut. Arioounda, on the other hand, is a savory dish made of rice flour and coconut, and it is usually served as a snack or breakfast item.

When I first tasted Kozhukatta and Arioounda, it was a bit weird for me as the taste was entirely new and different from what I had tasted before. The texture of Kozhukatta was soft and gooey, and the stuffing inside had a perfect balance of sweetness and coconut flavor. On the other, Arioounda had a crunchy texture on the outside and a soft, fluffy filling inside that was bursting with flavors of coconut and spices.

Aside from their delicious taste, Kozhukatta and Arioounda also offer several health benefits. Coconut, which is an essential ingredient in both dishes, is a rich source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also known to boost immunity, aid digestion, and improve heart health.


Kozhukatta, being a steamed dish, is a healthy alternative to fried snacks and desserts. The jaggery used to sweeten the stuffing is a natural sweetener that provides essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and potassium. The rice flour used to make the outer covering is gluten free and is an excellent source of carbohydrates.

Arioounda, on the other hand, is a low-fat, low-calorie snack that is perfect for those who are watching their weight. The dish is also a good source of protien, thanks to the addition of grated coconut and roasted gram flour. The spices used to flavor the dish, such as cumin, curry leaves, and mustard seeds, are known to have anti inflammatory properties that can help in reducing inflammation in the body.

In conclusion, my first encounter with Kozhukatta and Arioounda was a memorable experience that introduced me to the rich and diverse cuisine of Kerala. The authenticity of these dishes and the blend of flavors and species left a lasting impression on me. Not only did I enjoy their taste, but I also appreciated their health benefits. I hope to have the opportunity to taste them again in the future and encourage others to try these delicious and nutritious dishes. 

Comments

  1. Replies
    1. 😂 do visit Kerala and try out too, it's delicious.

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  2. Great, now i wanna try it too. 🤤

    ReplyDelete

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