Life revolves around rice and the monsoon. Because rice does not contain the protein gluten, cooks invented fermentation . Idli, Dosa, and Appam (lacey pancakes) are predigested by bacteria, making them safe for humid climates. Coconut is the universal fat. A Keralite's lifestyle is tied to the backwaters: morning fishing, noon coconut scraping, and evening poriyal (stir-fry).