Skip to main content

Appam and Chicken Stew: A Syrian Christian Tradition

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 millennia, embraced these influences, creating a unique fusion dish.

Beyond the Plate: A Celebration of Feasts and Fasts

Appam and chicken stew grace tables on joyous occasions like Christmas and Easter. The fluffy appams, perfect for soaking up the rich, creamy stew, symbolize a celebratory indulgence. But this duo holds significance beyond festive cheer. Traditionally, it's also the meal of choice to break the Lenten fast, a period of restraint. The comforting warmth of the stew and the delicate appams mark a welcome return to richer flavours.

A Legacy of Home Cooking

In Syrian Christian households, appam and chicken stew are more than just restaurant fare. The aroma of appams wafting from the special appachatti (cast iron pan) and the gentle simmer of the stew are evocative of family gatherings and cherished memories. Mothers and grandmothers pass down recipes, each with its own twist, a testament to the enduring legacy of home cooking within the community.

A Taste of Kerala's Soul

Appam and chicken stew are more than a dish; they are a symbol of Syrian Christian heritage in Kerala. Each bite encapsulates the flavours of the tradition, the warmth of family, and the joy of shared meals. It's a taste of Kerala's soul, a testament to the enduring power of culinary customs passed down through generations.

Time to destroy some piping hot appams and creamy chicken stew to break my lent!! Happy Easter, everyone! He is Risen Indeed. 



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Beyond Borders: The Ecumenical Heart of Mar Thoma Church

I didn’t initially plan to write something like this, but there’s been a lot of buzz lately about Suffragan Metropolitan Joseph Mar Barnabas receiving communion from the Patriarch. While many of the comments I’ve seen are derogatory and fail to reflect either Christian kindness or basic human respect, the issue seems to stem from a lack of understanding about the Mar Thoma Church’s ecumenical theology and teachings on the Holy Qurbana. I want to shed some light on that based on what I’ve come to learn. 𝑬𝒄𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑬𝒄𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚 Central to Mar Thoma ecclesiology is the Pauline imagery of the "Body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:27), a theological construct that emphasizes unity within diversity and transcends denominational boundaries. A defining mission of the Church is "to unite all things in Jesus Christ," a commitment that explicitly eschews exclusivist frameworks, such as papal or patriarchal supremacy. This idea of enclave theology was seen wi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Empuraan Unleashed: When Cinema Dares to Speak Truth to Power

The recently released L2: Empuraan is nothing short of a cinematic triumph, a testament to the evolving brilliance of Malayalam cinema. Prithviraj Sukumaran’s direction is a masterstroke, elevating the industry to new heights with a vision that’s both bold and meticulous. Equally deserving of praise is Murali Gopy, whose script and dialogues weave a tapestry of words so powerful they linger long after the credits roll. This film is a shining example of storytelling done right—gripping, thought-provoking, and unapologetic. But beyond its artistic merits, L2 has sparked a predictable yet absurd political storm. Right-wing leaders have been quick to cry foul, clutching their pearls at the film’s depiction of historical events—specifically, the 2002 Gujarat riots. Their outrage is not just comical; it’s dripping with irony. These are the same voices that cheered for The Kerala Story , a film so steeped in propaganda that it could barely masquerade as fiction. They handed out free ticket...
Post a Comment
Read more

From Real to Reel

"I am in a long-distance relationship forever." Yesterday, I watched the movie Amaran, and it was absolutely amazing. I’m someone who rarely gets emotional over movies, yet I found myself teared up. The first time I heard Major Mukund’s story was when Indhu chechi came to Melbourne with Tinu Achachan, and back then, it was just another military story to me. But watching the movie today, the narrative struck me on a whole new level—the pain, the agony, the sacrifices. It all felt so raw and real. The respect I have for Indhu chechi has skyrocketed. I still remember every time I met her, she carried that signature smile of hers, unfaltering despite everything. Still cherishing the fond memories with Tinu Achachan, Indhu Chechi, and Arsheya. Back to the movie, I’ve never been particularly drawn to the idea of nationalism or overt patriotic fervor. Those who know me are well aware of that. But this movie managed to evoke a nationalistic ardour, a respect that transcends political...
Post a Comment
Read more