Malabar Kilikoodu is one of my favorite snacks – not just because of how it tastes, but because of what it represents. It’s part of the rich, generous food culture of Malabar, where snacks are never simple, and always made with thought, care, and a bit of flair. Kilikoodu, meaning “bird’s nest,” is one such dish – beautifully shaped, deliciously spiced, and full of texture.
What makes this recipe even more special for me is that I make both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions – each one slightly different in ingredients but equally satisfying.
The vegetarian kilikoodu is made with mashed potatoes and homemade paneer. But instead of hiding the paneer inside, I shape it into small white balls and place them right on top of each cutlet – just like little eggs resting in a nest. It’s not just tasty – it’s beautiful to look at. The outer shell is coated in roasted vermicelli and fried until golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft and flavorful. There’s no carrot or sweetness in my version – just clean, savory flavors.
For the non-vegetarian version, I use chicken or buffalo meat, depending on availability, and sometimes even top it with boiled quail eggs, which is a lovely traditional touch in many Malabar homes. The meat is cooked with spices and mashed with potatoes to create a rich, filling base – then shaped, coated, and deep-fried just like the veg version.
What ties both together is the crunchy vermicelli coating and that signature “nest” appearance – crispy outside, soft and spiced inside, with those little “eggs” on top completing the look.This snack perfectly reflects Malabar cuisine – where even the simplest ingredients are transformed into something festive. Whether for iftar, a family gathering, or just weekend tea time, kilikoodu always makes the table feel special. It’s not rushed food – it’s made with love and intention, just like how food has always been in this region.
Malabar Kilikoodu
Ingredients
Instructions
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Kilikoodu is a Malabar snack food. Its also served on special occasions in malabar area, So lets start
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First,cook potatoes with some salt , peel,mash and keep it aside
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Next cook Boneless Chicken with Salt, Turmeric powder and Peppeer powder and keep it aside
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In a bowl, Add mashed Potatoes, add Chiken, Ginger, Green Chillies, Onion chopped, Garam Masala, and enough Salt and combine well
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Here i had added some Panner left with the mix. ( Chicken and Panner is optional)
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Make small ball with the potato mix.
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Just press on the ball with your thumb, so that it form the shape of a nest.
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Now make batter , Mix All Purpose Flourwith water, salt and make a loose batter
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If you wish you can also use beaten Egg and Salt mixture instead of all purpose flour mix
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Dip each balls in to Batter or Egg mixture.
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Again roll it over Vermicelli, so that the vermicelli will cover the balls well
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Deep fry each balls in to Golden brown colour
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Now eitherDecorate each Kilikoodu with either eggs made with panner or use Quail eggs ( its an optional step)
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Serve Kilikoodu warm with tea