The humble Kerala dish pazhankanji recently made headlines after it was revealed as cricketer Sanju Samson’s preferred cheat meal. The revelation came when celebrity chef Suresh Pillai penned an emotional post about the cricketer.
“Cheta, the match against West Indies was brilliant. He’s really happy. We’re in Mumbai now. Three months of strict diet meals. Tonight he wants a cheat meal. Can you arrange pazhankanji, fish, kappa and chammanthi?” asked Sanju's manager to Chef Pillai.
Pazhankanji, a simple and nostalgic dish from his home state of Keralam, is basically a fermented rice dish made from leftover rice soaked overnight in water. It is typically eaten with accompaniments such as shallots, green chillies, curd, or pickles. His cheat meal choice stood out for being deeply rooted in Kerala’s culinary culture and for being surprisingly healthy.
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Health benefits:
As per a study cited in ScienceDirect, fermented products provide a rich diversity of microorganisms. Traditionally fermented rice-based foods and beverages are a promising tool for the delivery of the probiotic microorganism.
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The probiotic properties in this humble dish help in improving gut health and digestion. Experts also believe it can help patients with digestive issues. It provides sustained energy due to its slow-release carbohydrates, which is why it has long been a staple breakfast for farmers and labourers.
The story shared by the chef quickly grabbed the attention of the netizens because cheat meals are often associated with fast food or high-calorie treats like burgers and pizzas.
