Chilled Kerala Noodles
Photo: Ajna Jai / Contributor
Situated between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, the tiny, lush state of Kerala is where vines of peppercorn clusters have been growing in the wild for thousands of years. Even today — along with coconuts, cashews and coffee — spices are one of the biggest sources of trade and income for the local economy.
Rice noodles, also called string hoppers, are sometimes sold in the streets tossed with vegetables, coconut and spices. This salad-like chilled noodle dish is inspired by the flavors of Kerala and, true to my cooking, comes with copious amounts of freshly minced ginger. It can also be served warm.