A meal without the crisp and creamy yellow, pappads and its crunchy, tactile feel, would be unappetising to an average Malayali. It\u2019s demand in various sizes does not stop with the sadya. For most it is a favourite with the Kerala\u2019s own \u2018puttu\u2019 or the \u2018upma\u2019. The older generation even prefer it to biscuit for tea. Some even like it roasted than fried.<\/p>\n
Be it children or adults, pappads are much sought after on the dining table. Children love to down it with rice or \u2018kanji\u2019, especially those who can\u2019t stand \u2018hot\u2019 and savoury curries.<\/p>\n
Yes, the demand for the wheatish and fluffy flat bread is growing by the day, but the industry is short of hands which has taken its toll on the traditional method of pappad-making.<\/p>\n
Though manufacturers have slowly turned to mechanisation, handmade pappads still hold sway over the true culinary faithful. To cater to their needs is Viswas Pappads, near Changampuzha park, one of the oldest handmade pappad makers in Kochi.<\/p>\n
An extension of Guruvayur manufacturing establishments, Viswas boasts 60 years of tradition. \u201cThe unit was set up by my father. and I followed in his footsteps,\u201d says Viswanathan, the proprietor.<\/p>\n
The dexterous process of pappad-making is a savoury sight to behold, now fast disappearing. Dal, salt, and \u2018pappada karam\u2019 are mixed to form a dough. The dough is kneaded and rolled by hand into long, thick strips which are cut into wafer thin slices and rolled into small flat spheres after which they are dried in the sun. \u201cThe handmade ones are sold out within hours of making,\u201d said Viswanathan.<\/p>\n
The pappads come in five different sizes, from \u2018kutti\u2019 pappads to the larger ones. The \u2018kutti\u2019 pappads, ideal for kids, and \u2018masala pappads\u2019 sell like hot cakes. \u201cThe pappads here are unadulterated, handmade, and delicious. It is profitable too, that is why I am a regular here,\u201d says Jayakumar, an avid pappad lover.<\/p>\n
Another legacy of Viswas is the price estimation based on number of pappadams in a packet. While other manufacturers fix them by weight, Viswas pappads go by traditions. It costs `60 for a packet of 100 (medium size).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The \u2018art\u2019 of making pappads that requires great speed, skill, and expertise, comes with lots of practice and Viswas has made a mark in it.<\/p>\n
source: http:\/\/www.newindianexpress.com \/ The New Indian Express \/ Home> Cities> Kochi \/ by Maya Philip, \u00a0Jaya Thampi \u00a0and Anaida Davis \/ June 06th, 2014<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A meal without the crisp and creamy yellow, pappads and its crunchy, tactile feel, would be unappetising to an average Malayali. It\u2019s demand in various sizes does not stop with the sadya. For most it is a favourite with the Kerala\u2019s own \u2018puttu\u2019 or the \u2018upma\u2019. The older generation even prefer it to biscuit for … Continue reading Crisp and Crunchy Handmade Pappads<\/span>