The interesting series ‘Home Chefs,’ which includes delectable meals from families of all ethnicities, has been engaging us on SevenzTV. The most recent episode introduces us to the food of Karnataka, South India, and the Raman family.
Karnataka
Though numerous etymologies for the name Karnataka have been proposed, the most widely accepted one is that Karnataka is derived from the Kannada terms karu and nadu, which implies “elevated land.” Karnataka is best recognised for its heritage sites and wildlife/national parks. Aside from that, it is well-known for its stunning hill stations, spectacular waterfalls, pilgrimage sites, and a 320-kilometre-long coastline of pristine beaches. According to Aadhar data, the population of Karnataka is expected to be over 66 million. Kannada is the predominant language that is spoken in Karnataka and is recognised by the Indian Constitution as one of the country’s principal languages.
Karnataka Cuisine
Karnataka’s districts each have their unique speciality cuisine. North Karnataka food, South Karnataka cuisine, Kodagu, Udupi, Mangalorean, North Canara, and Navayath cuisine are just some of their varieties.
North Karnataka cuisine is primarily vegetarian. The main course consists of Jowar (Sorghum) and wheat rotis, which are complemented by a variety of spicy curries, pickles, and buttermilk.
North Canara (Coastal/Malenadu Karnataka) is known for its seafood cuisine, with rice and fish curry as specialities. Mangalorean cuisine (Coastal Karnataka) is distinct and diverse as a result of the different communities who have settled in the area. Most Mangalorean dishes begin with curry leaves, coconut, and indigenous spices. Neer dosa, Kori Rotti, Mangalore Buns, and Macaroon are popular local dishes. Because Mangalore is also a coastal region, seafood, along with chicken, is quite popular. Steamed rice and ragi (finger millet) dominate South Karnataka cuisine, and their popular dishes include the Ragi ball (Ragi mudde), Benne Dosa (Butter Dosa), Akki Roti, and Ragi Roti. And what tops the list is the Bisi bele bhath.
Bisi bele bhath
“Bisi bele bath” means “Hot lentil rice dish.” “Bisi” is a Kannada means “Hot” (temperature), “Bele” denotes “Lentils,” and “Bath” refers to a “mushy meal made by soaking the components in water.” It is also known as Bisi Bele Huli Anna in Kannada. It is classified as a low glycemic index meal due to its low carbohydrate content. It is deemed suitable for diabetic individuals since it helps to lower blood sugar levels. It is gluten-free and is rich in iron.
Bisi bele bhath recipe in SevenzTV
Usha Raman, together with her husband Sunder Raman and daughter Aishwarya, makes ‘Bisi Bele Bath’ in SevenzTV’s Home-Chef series.
Usha and Sunder Raman (Shyam) are from Karnataka, India and they say that Bisi Bele Bath is one of the family’s favourite foods (watch the episode for the recipe). Usha Raman is a well-known Henna Tattoo artist who won the New Zealand Mrs. Heritage 2021 – confidence pageant title. Watch the vivacious Usha, Shyam, Aishwarya, and presenter Bharati singing and dancing to “Kalyana Samayal Sadam” while cooking. This episode is available on www.sevenztv.co.nz , sevenztv facebook, YouTube and on all INL platforms.
You too could be a part of the Home Chef series
If you are a skilled ‘Home Chef’ with a great home recipe that you would want to share on SevenzTV’s Facebook page, please submit a snapshot of your dish along with your photograph to ss@sevenztv.co.nz. The winning recipe could get a special food voucher.
SevenzTV is an online multicultural ethnic community channel started by Sonu and Shoba. All episodes of ‘Home Chefs’ can be viewed on www.sevenztv.co.nz
Malini Yugendran is an Indian Newslink correspondent based in Auckland.
