Best Combos
The pairings that make a meal — what goes with what, pulled from the family's own notes and lore. This is the part you can't get from a single recipe: the knowledge of the whole plate.
The 'more kozhambu' debate
More Kozhambu (buttermilk-based) + Beans Paruppu Usili —OR— More Kozhambu + Vazhakkai Kara Curry
Chitti's Kitchen 2009 intro: family debates whether more kozhambu goes better with beans paruppu ussili curry or vazhakkai kara curry.
Vengaaya Sambhar - Alu Curry
Vengaaya (Onion) Sambhar + Alu (Potato) Curry - Tamil Style + rice
On this site: Alu ( potato ) Curry - Tamil style
Chitti's Kitchen, Alu Curry post: 'Vengaaya Sambhar-Alu curry is most favourite & hot combo ever for most of us, Tamilians!'
Fried Potato Curry with Vengaaya Kozhambu
Fried Potato Curry + Vengaaya Kozhambu + rice
Chitti's Kitchen: 'tastes heavenly with vengaaya kozhambu!'
Tiffin plate: Pesaratt Dosai
Pesaratt Dosai + Molagapodi or Onion Chutney + curds
On this site: Pesaratt Dosai
Chitti's Kitchen: 'We normally have it with molagapodi or onion chutney & a cup of curds.'
Idli/Dosa chutney pairing
Idli or Dosa or Pesaratt Dosai + Onion Chutney
On this site: Pesaratt Dosai
Chitti's Kitchen, Onion Chutney post: 'a must have in the family with dosa, pesaratt dosa, idlis.'
Rice + kozhambu/sambhar/dal + side
(any kozhambu, sambhar, or dal) + Alu/Potato-style poriyal + rice
Chitti's Kitchen, Carrot Salad post: notes this pairing style as a general Tamil lunch pattern.
Pillayar Chaturthi spread
Kozhakattai (sweet + savory) + Vadai + Payasam + Idli
Chitti's Kitchen: described making all four together by 11am for the pooja.
Navratri sundal rotation
A different Sundal each day + Payasam/Kesari/Chena Payasam on some days
Chitti's Kitchen, Navratri Special post: made a different sundal daily as naivedya, plus sweets on some days.
Diwali fried-snack spread
Mullu Thenkuzhal + Ribbon Pakoda + Mysore Pak + Tukda + Omapodi
Chitti's Kitchen 'Its Diwali' post — photographed spread, recipes only partly written up.
Poricha Kozhumbu 'super combo' (P536 rules)
Poricha Kozhambu + Vazhakkai Podi Curry + Azhuga Maanga Pachidi + Porichha Appalam
Namma Veetu Samayal, Porichha Kozhambu P.S.: 'According to P536 custom, it's best accompanied by vazhakkai curry, azhuga maanga patchidi and porichha appalam. Breaking this rule can attract a fine of Rs. 5000 or 12 months imprisonment or both.' Also listed as its own 'Super combo' entry.
Puli Kootu with More Kozhambu (P536 rule)
Puli Kootu + More Kozhambu
Namma Veetu Samayal, Pooshinikkai Puli Kootu P.S.: 'Puli kootu is a must with more kozambu according to P536 rules.'
Kadalai Maavu Chutney with parota
Kadalai Maavu Chutney + hot plain parota
On this site: Kadalai Maavu Chutney
Namma Veetu Samayal, Kadalai Maavu Chutney P.S.: 'In true P536 style … have chuda chuda plain parota with piping hot chutney.'