Recipe - Ginger Chutney (Allam Pachadi/Adhrak Chutney)
Ginger root spicy sauce.
Summary:
Ginger chutney can be made in many ways. It goes well with a lot of Indian breakfasts/dinners like idli, dosa, vada etc. Ginger is very good for digestion and can be eaten with almost all south Indian breakfasts/meals. I learnt this recipe from my mother-in-law. She is a great cook who makes her chutneys with lots of patience and a focused attention to detail. I am always interested in learning the secrets to her chutneys because they are prepared well and taste delicious! Although this chutney's shelf life is around a month (if carefully prepared), it is best enjoyed fresh. Storing it for longer than a few days takes the zing out of it. Ginger chutney can also be prepared for a long term use. I will post that recipe soon, when I get a chance to make it.
Ingredients:
Ginger root - 2 inches long
Chana dal (bengal gram) - 1 tablespoon
Urd dal (black gram)- 1 tablespoon
Mastard seeds - 1 and 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 teaspoon for seasoning at the end)
Cumin seeds - 1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning at the end)
Coriander seeds - 1 teaspoon
Dry red chillies - 10 - 11 pieces (save 2 for seasoning at the end)
Tamarind - small lemon size (4 -5 small dry stalks/1 teaspoon tamarind paste)
Green chillies - 2 (according to spice level)
Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon
Sugar/Jaggery - 1 teaspoon ( optional)
Oil - 1 table spoon
Salt - 1 and 1/2 (according to taste)
Curry leaves - 1 stalk (for seasoning)
Procedure:
Preheat wok on medium high heat with a tablespoon of oil in it. Add chana dal, urd dal, mustard seeds, dhania seeds and dry red chillies. Let them change to a light brown color, then add green chillies and turmeric. Fry them for 2 - 3 minutes and add ginger root and sugar and salt and turn off the stove. You can also add 2 tablespoons of cilantro or 2 cloves of garlic if you would like.
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Let the mixture cool. Grind the mixture with tamarind pulp (microwave tamarind with little water for 2 minutes to soften tamarind) together in a mixer. Add 1/2 cup of water during grinding to bring it to your desired consistency. Season it with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dry red chilli, curry leaves and hing (optional).
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Preparation time 30 minutes.
# Servings - 4
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