Tamil Nadu is a state in the southern part of India, and it is known for its delicious cuisine. Traditional Tamil food consists of rice, lentils, vegetables, and spices. It is generally considered to be one of the healthiest regional cuisines in India.
The main staple food in Tamil Nadu is rice. Rice dishes such as pongal, sambar, and kootu are popular among locals and visitors alike.
Pongal is a type of porridge made with rice and lentils that is often served with coconut chutney. Sambar is a spicy lentil-based stew served with steamed rice or dosas (rice crepes). Kootu is a vegetable-based curry that can be served with either steamed or fried rice.
Vegetables are an important part of Tamil cuisine as well. Popular vegetables include brinjal, potato, tomato, okra, and cauliflower. These are usually cooked with spices such as cumin, mustard seeds, turmeric, coriander powder, red chilli powder, ginger garlic paste, and garam masala to create flavorful dishes like aloo gobi (potato cauliflower), okra fry (okra cooked in a spicy mixture), and brinjal bajji (deep-fried brinjal slices).
Spices are another key component of Tamil cuisine. Common spices used include cardamom, cloves, fennel seeds, black pepper, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, tamarind paste, asafoetida powder (hing), and curry leaves. These spices add not only flavor but also many health benefits to the food due to their antioxidant properties.
Idli, a savory steamed cake made from fermented black lentils (urad dal) and rice batter mixed with salt and water is one of the most popular breakfast foods in Tamil Nadu. Idlis are usually served with sambar or chutney for extra flavor.
Rasam, another traditional dish from Tamil Nadu consists of tamarind juice boiled with tomato puree along with garlic cloves and cumin seeds for added flavor. Rasam can be served as a soup or accompaniment to other dishes like idli or dosa for an additional burst of flavor.
Vadai, deep-fried doughnuts made from split urad dal batter mixed with onions and green chillies are also very popular snacks in Tamil Nadu. Vadais can be enjoyed plain or spiced up by adding herbs like coriander leaves or curry leaves for extra flavor.
Payasam/Kheer, sweet pudding made from rice or vermicelli cooked in milk with added sugar or jaggery along with nuts such as cashews or almonds is also very popular dessert in Tamil Nadu.