[CH] Name of Indian State?]
Shantihhh@aol.com
Wed, 26 Sep 2001 00:12:48 EDT
Kerela is the state of spices which includes the Malabar Coast. The terraces
of this region is where black peppercorns, cardamon, rubber trees, and tea
are grown.
Tamil Nadu is on the East side of India where Madras is, and north of both is
Karnataka and Andra Pradesh.
In both Kerela and Tamil Nadu coconut milk is used which softens the heat in
many dishes.
Quite frankly the heat in a dish depends on the cook. I have many Indian
friends in India and the US who don't even like much heat!. They think I am
crazy. The best chiles come from Kashmiri, and if you can find real Kashmiri
Mirch it is such a treat. Yet the food of Kashmire is milder than most. It
is like the Hyderabadi dals are reputed to be the finest.
Generally speaking the food in Punjab, Assam, Darjeeling, etc. in the North
is milder than the food in the south of India, but with the use of seafood
and coconut milk the heat is taken down a notch. Overall, I have eaten much
hotter food in Thailand than in India.
The hottest Indian food I have eaten is Vindaloo Curry which is from Goa. So
I still think it's in the hands of the cook. Snack food in Bombay and Madras
depending on you can be very hot as you add the chiles/chutneys.
Chiles/chili/chilli
Hindi Lal mirch (red), Hari mirch (green)
Malayalam Mulagu
Mary-Anne, who has been to India over 30 times
<<Would someone please tell me the name of the (southern?) state in
India known for its' hot foods? I'm pretty sure it was mentioned in
the book _Peppers : A Story of Hot Pursuits_ by Amal Naj.>>