Coconut Lagoon Recipes From A South Indian Kitchen
Introduction
Coconut Lagoon is a well-known restaurant located in Kumarakom, Kerala, India. It serves traditional South Indian cuisine with a focus on dishes made with coconut, which is a staple ingredient in the region. The restaurant has gained popularity for its unique and authentic flavors, and many people visit it to experience the taste of Kerala.
Coconut Lagoon Recipes
Coconut Lagoon has many signature dishes that are loved by locals and tourists alike. Here are some popular recipes from the restaurant:
1. Meen Moilee (Fish Moilee)
Meen Moilee is a traditional Keralan fish curry made with coconut milk and spices. It is a popular dish in the region and is known for its delicate flavors. Here's the recipe:
- 500g fish
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Heat coconut oil in a pan and add onions, green chilies, ginger paste, and garlic paste. Fry until onions turn golden brown.
- Add chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the fish and fry for a few minutes.
- Add the coconut milk and curry leaves. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked.
- Serve hot with rice or bread.
2. Appam and Stew
Appam is a type of pancake made with fermented rice batter and coconut milk. It is a popular breakfast item in Kerala and is often served with stew, which is a vegetable curry made with coconut milk. Here's the recipe:
Appam
- 1 cup rice
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 tsp yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Soak rice in water for 4-5 hours.
- Grind rice and grated coconut to a fine paste.
- Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Add the yeast mixture to the rice batter and mix well.
- Add coconut milk and salt. Mix well and let it ferment for 8-10 hours.
- Heat a non-stick pan and pour a ladleful of batter in the center. Swirl the pan to spread the batter.
- Cover with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
Stew
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, beans, etc.)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green chili, chopped
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Heat coconut oil in a pan and add onions, green chili, ginger paste, and garlic paste. Fry until onions turn golden brown.
- Add the mixed vegetables and fry for a few minutes.
- Add coconut milk and curry leaves. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked.
- Season with salt and serve hot with appam.
3. Prawn Masala
Prawn Masala is a spicy and flavorful dish made with prawns, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of South Indian spices. Here's the recipe:
- 500g prawns, cleaned and deveined
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Heat coconut oil in a pan and add onions, ginger paste, and garlic paste. Fry until onions turn golden brown.
- Add tomatoes and fry for a few minutes.
- Add chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the prawns and fry for a few minutes.
- Add garam masala and mix well.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the prawns are cooked.
- Serve hot with rice or bread.
Conclusion
Coconut Lagoon is a treasure trove of traditional South Indian recipes that are delicious and easy to make. Whether you're a fan of seafood, vegetarian dishes, or meat-based curries, there's something for everyone at this iconic restaurant. Try out these recipes and bring the flavors of Kerala into your kitchen!