Tamil Nadu has a rich culinary tradition with many lesser-known yet delicious dishes. They are hereunder:
Kozhukattai: These are steamed rice dumplings filled with various types of sweet or savoury fillings like jaggery and coconut, lentils, or even minced meat.
Meen Kuzhambu: A tangy and spicy fish curry made with tamarind, coconut, and traditional spices. It's a coastal delicacy with robust flavours.
Milagu Kuzhambu: A spicy pepper-based curry made with black pepper, tamarind, and aromatic spices, often served with rice.
Keerai Kootu: This dish combines various types of locally available greens (keerai) with lentils, coconut, and spices, resulting in a nutritious and flavorful stew.
Vathal Kuzhambu: A unique curry made with sun-dried vegetables (vathal), tamarind, and spices, offering a balance of tanginess and spiciness.
Chettinad Kavuni Arisi: A traditional black rice dessert from the Chettinad region, known for its distinctive colour and nutty flavour. It's often prepared for special occasions.
Inji Puli: A sweet and sour ginger-based condiment made with tamarind, jaggery, and spices. It's a great accompaniment to rice-based meals.
Kaara Kozhukattai: These are steamed rice dumplings filled with a spicy mixture of coconut, roasted gram, and various seasonings, creating a delightful contrast of flavours.
Urulai Kizhangu Puttu: A unique dish made with grated steamed potatoes mixed with spices and coconut. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Thavala Adai: A protein-rich pancake made with a blend of lentils, rice, and spices. It's often served with a vial of coconut chutney.
Kandarappam: A sweet and crispy pancake made with rice flour, jaggery, coconut, and cardamom. It's a traditional treat during festivals.
Sodhi: A mild and comforting coconut milk-based curry often paired with rice, made with vegetables like drumsticks and brinjals.
Ellu Saadam: A sesame seed-flavored rice dish, often prepared with a mixture of sesame seeds, coconut, and spices. It offers a unique taste and texture.
Kambu Koozh: A nutritious porridge made from pearl millet, often consumed during hot summers. It's a great source of energy.
Poondu Kuzhambu: A garlic-infused tangy curry made with tamarind, garlic, and aromatic spices, offering a bold and distinct flavour profile.
These are just a few examples of the lesser-known but delicious dishes from Tamil Nadu