The Flavours of Andhra

By: Aditya Peyyeti 

There are a lot of dishes that we associate to a particular region such as Hyderabadi biryani, Irani chai, barkas mandi so on and so forth. Today lets look at 5 of the must-try dishes that have originated and flourished in from the Andhra Pradesh region.

1. Andhra chicken 

This dish tops the list because it is truly the essence of Andhra flavors. It's widely known as Andhra Kodi Kura and is definitely a part of the specials menu in every Andhra restaurant. It's spicy and has a beautiful texture in the gravy. There is no definite recipe for this wondrous creation but the basis of the dish is similar in all Andhra households. The coastal version of it features coconut milk or paste. But, Andhra Kodi Kura is a must-try for anyone looking to try out authentic Andhra food. The medley of flavors is sure to make your taste buds have a treat. Make sure you find yourself indulging in this delicacy with hot white rice.

2. Pootarekulu 

You simply can't be at Andhra Pradesh without encountering this rustic sweet that is loved by everyone. It's traditionally made with handmade rice starch sheets that are layered and rolled with ghee and sugar. A lot of traditional recipes also use jaggery as a replacement for the sugar. It melts as soon as it touches your tongue and the sweetness is so subtle yet pleasing with the starch paper toning it down. We could call it paper candy. Popular versions of pootharekulu use dry fruits as well. This is another dish that under no circumstances should any human ever miss trying. It is wholesome, satisfying and an evergreen treat.

3. Pulihora (Tamarind Rice)

This is the single greatest creation without which any Andhra wedding or festival is incomplete. This is traditionally served as prasadam at all Andhra temples. The dish includes rice, peanuts and a whole lot of other spices and condiments. It has hints of every flavor that you could possibly name. It's also known as Chitrannam. Tamarind is the star of this dish. A true Andhra native can find comfort in this dish for all sorts of cravings. It is one of the most appetizing dishes ever. It is most definitely served in every Andhra thali. This dish simply cannot be missed. 

4. Avakaya Pachaddi ( Andhra Mango Pickle)

It's the king of pickles as it is known. It is popular all around South India but it's origins lie in the sweet villages of Andhra Pradesh. Every summer with the fresh harvest of raw mangoes, batches of this pickle are made my Andhra households to serve them all year long. It uses several spices in a beautiful marriage of flavors. Salt and oil are the preservatives it uses. It is consumed on a daily basis by people in Andhra. Major FMCG brands have introduced packed Avakaya Pachaddi because of the universal liking for the flavors. But, nothing beats the experience of eating authentic Avakaya Pachaddi made my an Andhra grandmother. There are several home industries that sell handmade authentic Avakaya Pachaddi and it is something that definitely must be tried.

5. Chepa Pulusu (Fish Curry) 

The pride of coastal curries of Andhra Pradesh, Chepa Pulusu is the ultimate dish for seafood lovers. It is perfectly balanced with spices and herbs. The best part is that it is as healthy as it gets. Guilt-free indulgence has its pleasure and you can feel it with every bite of this heaven-sent dish. Nothing beats Chepa Pusulu with hot white rice. This tangy dish with the unbeatable taste of fresh sea fish makes no room for anything but a perfect 10 on 10. There’s a reason this dish tops all the coastal curries and you will know only after trying it.