A Taste of Home: Authentic Malayalam Recipes for Lunch and Dinner with a Family Touch

Cooking is not just about preparing meals; it’s about creating memories, nurturing bonds, and celebrating tradition. In my family, the kitchen is where stories are shared, where love is expressed, and where generations of culinary wisdom converge. Today, I’m excited to share a collection of some of my all-time favorite recipes – many passed down from my mother, who has been the heart of our family’s meals for as long as I can remember.

Through this post, I will introduce you to the rich flavors of Kerala, with a blend of traditional recipes and some new twists that my mother recently experimented with. These recipes bring the warmth of home into the kitchen and provide a comforting experience with each bite. So, whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner looking to explore the authentic tastes of Kerala, this post is for you.

Let’s dive into the wonderful world of homemade Malayalam cuisine, starting with lunch and ending with a delightful dinner spread. These dishes are simple, flavorful, and hearty – perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests.

Part 1: Lunch Recipes

Lunch in a traditional Kerala household is often a simple, hearty affair, but it’s always packed with flavor and nourishment. In this section, I’ll take you through two of my favorite lunch recipes – a rich, creamy fish curry made with coconut and a healthy, stir-fried spinach dish.

Mom's Coconut Fish Curry

The star of today’s lunch recipe is my mom’s signature Coconut Fish Curry. This dish is a staple in most Kerala homes and is an essential part of a typical Kerala lunch. The creamy coconut base, along with the delicate flavors of the fish, creates a perfect balance of taste. Let me walk you through how we make it.

Ingredients for Coconut Fish Curry:

1 cup fresh grated coconut (or coconut milk powder for convenience)

2 small onions, chopped

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tbsp ginger, chopped

1 tbsp garlic, chopped

1-2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)

1-2 tbsp red chili powder

1 tsp coriander powder

½ tsp turmeric powder

1 large tomato, chopped

1 mango (optional), chopped

500g fish (choose a meaty fish like kingfish or mackerel)

Salt, to taste

1 tbsp coconut oil (or any vegetable oil)

1-2 cups water (adjust based on consistency)

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Grind the Coconut Paste

Start by grinding the fresh coconut, cumin seeds, small onions, ginger, garlic, and green chilies into a smooth paste. You can add a bit of water to get the consistency right. If you’re short on time, you can substitute fresh coconut with coconut milk powder, which will also give you that rich, creamy texture.

Cook the Aromatics

Heat some coconut oil in a large pan. Add mustard seeds and small onions. Sauté them until they become soft and translucent. Then, add ginger and garlic, and sauté until the raw smell disappears. After that, mix in red chili powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Cook the spices for a minute or two until the raw smell fades.

Add the Liquids

Once the spices are cooked, add some water and bring the mixture to a boil. Add chopped tomatoes and let them soften, blending into the curry base. This adds depth and acidity to balance the richness of the coconut.

Cook the Fish

Add the fish pieces to the curry base and cook them for 8-10 minutes. The fish should be tender but not overcooked. You can also add a chopped mango at this point for a slight tanginess, which complements the richness of the curry.

Finish the Curry

Once the fish is cooked, add the coconut paste and mix well. Allow the curry to simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld together. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and your coconut fish curry is ready to serve!

This curry pairs perfectly with rice, making it a complete meal. The delicate sweetness of the coconut and the subtle spices create a comforting dish that’s sure to be loved by everyone.

Mom's Stir-fried Spinach (Cheera Varuthathu)

A traditional Kerala lunch wouldn’t be complete without a healthy vegetable dish. Today, I’m sharing my mom’s recipe for Cheera Varuthathu – a simple and flavorful stir-fried spinach dish. This is a quick and easy recipe, but it’s packed with nutrients and flavor.

Ingredients for Stir-fried Spinach:

1 bunch of fresh spinach (cheera)

1 tbsp coconut oil (or any oil of your choice)

1 tsp mustard seeds

1-2 dried red chilies

2 small onions, finely chopped

1 tbsp ginger, chopped

1 tbsp garlic, chopped

1 tbsp grated fresh coconut

Salt, to taste

Water (for cooking)

Instructions:

Prepare the Aromatics

Heat coconut oil in a large pan. Add mustard seeds and dried red chilies. Once the mustard seeds start to pop, add the finely chopped small onions. Sauté until they become soft and golden brown.

Add Ginger and Garlic

Add chopped ginger and garlic to the pan and cook for another minute. These two ingredients are key to enhancing the dish’s flavor profile.

Add the Spinach

Add the washed spinach to the pan and sauté it until it wilts down. Be careful not to overcook it, as spinach can lose its vibrant green color if cooked for too long.

Add Coconut and Seasoning

Add the grated coconut and mix it into the spinach. Season with salt, and cook until everything is well combined. You can add a little water if needed, but the spinach will release some moisture as it cooks.

This dish is simple, but the combination of coconut oil and fresh coconut creates a rich, savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with rice and curry.

Part 2: Dinner Recipes

After a fulfilling lunch, it’s time for dinner – and I’m going to share some delicious and hearty recipes that will make your evening meal special. Whether you’re having a cozy family dinner or hosting friends, these dishes will leave everyone satisfied.

Butter Vegetable Curry

A rich and creamy vegetable curry is a great way to end the day. This Butter Vegetable Curry is indulgent yet healthy and can be customized with any vegetables you have on hand. The creamy texture of the curry comes from butter and cashew nuts, which add richness to the dish.

Ingredients for Butter Vegetable Curry:

2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)

1 tsp whole garam masala (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom)

1 tsp dried kasuri methi (fenugreek leaves)

2 onions, finely chopped

1 tbsp ginger, minced

1 tbsp garlic, minced

2 tomatoes, chopped

1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, potatoes, etc.)

10-12 cashew nuts

Salt, to taste

1 tsp red chili powder

1 tsp coriander powder

½ tsp turmeric powder

1 tbsp cream

1 tbsp sugar

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Base

Heat ghee in a pan and add the whole garam masala. Once they release their fragrance, add kasuri methi and sauté briefly. Add chopped onions, ginger, and garlic, and sauté until they turn golden brown.

Add Tomatoes and Spices

Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and blend into the mixture. Add red chili powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder, and cook until the spices become fragrant.

Add Vegetables and Cashews

Add mixed vegetables and cashew nuts, then cook for about 10-12 minutes until the vegetables soften. The cashew nuts will also give the curry a rich texture.

Blend and Simmer

Blend the mixture into a smooth paste using a blender or an immersion blender. Return it to the pan and add cream, sugar, and salt. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until the curry reaches the desired consistency.

Serve this curry hot with chapathi or rice for a fulfilling meal.

Conclusion: Bringing Family Recipes to Life

Cooking, especially when it involves family recipes, is more than just following instructions. It’s about the memories attached to each dish and the love that’s infused into the food. These recipes, from the Coconut Fish Curry to the Butter Vegetable Curry, have been in my family for generations. Each bite carries a piece of our family’s history.

I hope this collection of lunch and dinner recipes inspires you to create something special in your kitchen. Whether you're cooking for your family or sharing a meal with friends, these recipes are sure to bring warmth, comfort, and a taste of Kerala to your table.