Srambican

For Syrian Christian families in Kerala, India, appam and chicken stew is a culinary cornerstone. This seemingly simple pairing transcends mere sustenance; it's a symphony of flavours and textures deeply woven into the fabric of their culture. The fluffy, bowl-shaped appams, with their crispy edges, act as the perfect vessel to scoop up the rich and flavorful chicken stew. This culinary combination is more than just a delicious meal; it's a tradition that's been passed down for generations. A Match Made in Kerala The origins of this beloved dish reflect Kerala's rich history. Appam, a fermented rice pancake with its lacy edges and a soft centre, is believed to have originated in ancient South India. The fragrant chicken stew, with its base of aromatics like cardamom, cloves, and peppercorns, whispers influences from Portuguese cuisine, with adaptation from Syrian Christians, who incorporated local spices and flavours. Syrian Christians have called Kerala home for millen...

In the Christian households of Kerala, India, particularly among the Saint Thomas Christians, the tradition of Pesaha Appam holds immense significance. Celebrated on Maundy Thursday, this unleavened rice cake transcends its culinary form to become a powerful symbol of faith and community. Pesaha Appam draws its name from the Hebrew word "Pesach", meaning Passover. It is also known as inri appam, which comes from the Latin phrase that was written atop Jesus' cross. Unlike the fluffy appams Keralites are familiar with, Pesaha Appam is a denser, firmer rice cake. This reflects its connection to the bread of affliction consumed by the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. The preparation itself is a meticulous process, often imbued with a sense of devotion. Every Maundy Thursday, mothers in Syrian household kitchens are busy soaking rice and grounding it into a smooth batter, which is then traditionally cooked on banana leaves in a specially designated vessel. Embers pl...

The last few days have been a whirlwind of emotions; as I rattle back to Bangalore on this bus, my heart is brimming with memories; I can't help but relive the magic of Goa.  The true stars of this trip were those I shared it with, the 5 Wonder Woman and Anson sir. Anna Vallayil, the witty master of comebacks, kept us in stitches with her perfectly timed jokes. Treesa, the picture of calm, offered practical advice and a grounding presence whenever needed. With her infectious energy, Riya brought a touch of "kunju kutti" (childish) fun to everything we did. And then there was Samastha, well, being the ever-intriguing Samastha! And of course, Teresa - I think I teased her the most throughout the trip! What shall I say about Anson sir?  At first glance, I envisioned him as a strict stickler for rules. But as we journeyed together, I discovered a man full of warmth and good humour. His stories and experiences added another layer of richness to our exploration of life. From la...