Glossary M

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Mutta Curry refers to one of the many curries from Kerala which is made from hard -boiled eggs cooked with slices of onions, spices, such as chilies, turmeric, garlic, coriander powder, and curry leaves. Sometimes fennel seeds or Masala powder are also used and tomatoes are also added. Potatoes are often added and coconut milk is used for a perfect Kerala flavor.

Mutta Curry a very simple and common dish and is almost a part of every traditional Kerala breakfast. Even in some Restaurants around Kerala, this dish is always available for breakfast served with Puttu, Chappati, Idiyappam, Idli or rice.

A variation of Mutta Curry is called Varutharacha Mutta Curry where the eggs are cooked almost the same as simple Mutta Curry but in roasted coconut sauce made from roasting grated coconut meat.

There are 2 kinds of eggs which can be used to make this Curry. Kozhi Mutta (Chicken egg) or Tharavu Mutta (Duck Egg)

Mutta is the Malayalam word for Egg. Kozhi and Tharavu are Malayalam word for Chicken and Duck, respectively.

Below are pictures of Mutta Curry which I have tasted in Allepey, Kerala, India. It is one of the easiest Kerala recipe that I have tried cooking while I was on vacation in the Philippines.

Mutta Curry served with Chappati/Roti for breakfast

Mutta Curry served with Idiyappam
Mutta Curry served with Idiyappam

- Mathi Cutlets (Fish Cutlets) :

Mathi Cutlets refer to Kerala style fish cakes patties/croquettes. This particular fish cutlets are made from Mathi, the Malayalam term for Sardines.

Fish Cutlets are made from varieties of fish, such as Mathi (Sardines) which are finely chopped and mixed with boiled mashed potatoes and spices, dipped in a Kadalamavu (Chickpea flour) or Rusks made into breadcrumbs then deep-fried in Coconut oil.

Pictures below are uncooked/raw Mathi cutlets ready for frying in Coconut oil.

Fish Cutlets is the common term for cutlets made from fish
Fish Cutlets is the common term for cutlets made from fish

The next pictures below are Fish/Mathi Cutlets after deep-frying in Coconut oil. Often served with rice, curry or chutney for lunch or dinner. But can also be served as savory snacks.

A lunch meal in Allepey, Kerala, India - Rice, Fish Cutlets, Thoran and Curry
A lunch meal in Allepey, Kerala, India - Rice, Fish Cutlets, Thoran and Curry

Meen Porichathu also commonly called as Fish Fry is one of the popular dishes from Kerala, India which is simply fried fish which is made special by coating or marinating the cleaned fresh pieces of fish in Masala powder , then deep fry in coconut oil until they are crispy.

Coconut oil which is the favored oil for cooking by the Malayalees is the secret of delicious dishes in Kerala, India.

Please enjoy the pictures of Fish Fry made in Allepey, Kerala, India.

Fish Fry or Meen Porichatu
Fish Fry or Meen Porichatu

Picture below is called Choora Porichatu. Choora Porichathu is the Malayalam term for Tuna Fish Fry

Coating the cleaned whole piece of Tuna with Masala powder first for some time before frying in Coconut oil gives the Keralite Fish Fry its distinct tasty flavor.

Below is one of the special Fish Fry "fit for a Prince". A Karimeen Fry made from fried Pearl Spot. This is a delicious meal of Karimeen Fry served with salad of raw sweet red onions on top. Prince Charles of England ate what I have eaten in Kerala, India after a wonderful and quiet boat tour of the Backwater of Allepey.

Karimeen (Pearl spot fish) fry is a sought after delicacy in Kerala. The Pearl Spot fish is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, red chillies, and other spices and Masala Powder, too and and deep fried until crisp and golden brown. This is an exotic dish of Karimeen fry cooked Kerala style. The Karimeen fry is a spicy fried fish coated with the delicious and spicy Masala.

Karimeen is the state fish of Kerala and is one of the most important fish species in this state of India

The Karimeen Fry / Pearl Spot Fish Fry
The Karimeen Fry / Pearl Spot Fish Fry

English: Fish curry pot / Deutsch: Fischcurrytopf / Español: Caldero de curry de pescado / Português: Panela de curry de peixe / Français: Pot de curry de poisson / Italiano: Pentola di curry di pesce /

Manchatti also called Manchatty, Meenchatti or simply Chatti is the Malayalam word for the special vessel that the Malayalee use to prepare the fish (meen) curry. Meenchatti literally means Meen means fish and Chatti means vessel in Malayalam and is made from mud which is said to add to the special flavor to Kerala fish curry.

English: Sweet Coconut / Deutsch: Süße Kokosnuss / Español: Coco Dulce / Português: Coco Doce / Français: Noix de Coco Sucrée / Italiano: Cocco Dolce /

Matamis na Bao also called Coconut Jam in English refers to a thick, sweet, syrupy stuff made from fresh coconut milk (Gata in Filipino) cooked with brown sugar or Panocha (Jaggery/Sangkaka) until it turns into spreadable consistency.

Deutsch: Mantou / Español: Mantou / Português: Mantou / Français: Mantou / Italiano: Mantou

Mantou in the food context refers to a type of steamed bun or bread popular in Chinese cuisine. It is made from wheat flour, water, and yeast or a leavening agent, resulting in a soft, fluffy texture. Mantou can be served plain as a staple food, often replacing rice, or as a side dish to savoury meals.