Since ancient times, seafarers and traders have been drawn by the lure of spices to Kerala, a verdant, tropical state on the Malabar Coast of South India. Saint Thomas also traveled this spice route, converting several local clans who later intermarried with Syrian traders who had settled here; thus was born the vibrant Syrian Christian community of Kerala. Today, ayurvedic massage resorts and backwater cruises make this scenic land a top tourist destination, and spices still draw both travelers and gourmands to its rich culinary heritage. It is this legacy that The Kerala Kitchen brings us, through 150 delectable recipes and the unforgettable stories that accompany them. Authentic and easy to prepare, these recipes are adapted for the North American kitchen, and accompanied by a guide to spices, herbs, and equipment, as well as a glossary of food terms.