NELLIKKA CHAMMANTHI - GOOSEBERRY/AMLA CHUTNEY

      Amla/Amalaki/Nellikkai/Nellikka as the Indian Gooseberries are called in Indian languages, is a renowned fruit in Indian culture.  It has been used as a food and medicine for many centuries for its endeavouring properties, nutritional & health benefits.  Ayurveda uses Gooseberries widely and has written scriptures which states and proves the therapeutical values of the fruit.  It is known for its antioxidant & antiseptic properties, enriched with vitamin C and loaded with Iron, Calcium, Chromium etc.,

   They are loaded with nutrients like Minerals, Vitamins & Fibre.  Gooseberries help prevent digestive problems, help regulate Blood Glucose and increases the level of Good Cholesterol.  It is good for Diabetic Patients and also helps to get rid of Obesity.  Gooseberries help to dehydrate the body and with dietary fibre decreases the chance of Constipation & Colon Cancer.  It also helps in maintaining healthy Bone and Teeth.  Gooseberries ease digestion, improves Liver Function, reduces Digestive Tract Issues and fight against Arthritis.  It also reduces the symptoms of Pancreatitis.  Gooseberries are rich in vitamin C, Anti-oxidants, including Flavonoids and Polyphenols.  Because of this, Gooseberries are believed to prevent various forms of Cancer and DNA Damage.  Along with other benefits, Gooseberries also has Antiviral & Antibacterial properties.

GOOSEBERRIES/NELLIKKAI/AMLA

    Nellikka Chammanthi/Gooseberry(Amla) Chutney is an easy recipe and one best way to sneak it up in your daily diet.  Each household has their own method of making Chammanthi, some add Shallots, or prepare it along with Green/Dry Red Chillies.  But the basic ingredients comprises Fresh Gooseberries ground along with coconut, green chillies, ginger & curry leaves.  When fresh Gooseberries are not in season or are not available, the same recipe can be prepared with Gooseberries preserved in brine.

    The traditional way of preparing a Chammanthi is usually grinding it in Ammi Kallu(grinding stone).  This method of preparation adds exceptional taste any chammanthi you make.  It is mainly because it brings out the natural oils out of the ingredients, and we can perfectly grind it without adding water as for a Katta Chammanthi(Thick Chutney).

    The mild bitterness with a note of sweetness & tanginess, along with the spiciness of this Nellikka Chammanthi will make you ask for more rice.  "Oru Urula Choru extra..."  After a long day, when you are literally tired or lazy to cook, just pair this spicy-tangy Nellikka Chammanthi with hot steaming Rice or Kanji(Rice Porridge/Gruel).  A tasty combination of heavenly duos.
 

To read about the HEALTH BENEFITS OF GOOSEBERRIES, Click here...


Cuisine - Kerala (India)
Course - Side Dish
Recipe Type - Condiment
Difficulty - Easy
Spice Level - Medium
Serves - 2-3
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 5 - 10 Minutes

For more KERALA STYLE CHAMMANTHI RECIPES, Click here..

NELLIKKA CHAMMANTHI - GOOSEBERRY/AMLA CHUTNEY

INGREDIENTS:

For Nellikka Chammanthi - Gooseberry/Amla Chutney:

Gooseberries - 1/2 Cup
Coconut - 1/2 Cup
Green Chillies - 3-4 Nos.
Ginger - a Small Piece
Curry Leaves - 1 Sprig
Salt - To Taste

METHOD:

• Wash and cut the Gooseberries into small pieces and discard the seed.
• Grate the Coconut.
• Mix all the ingredients and grind it without adding water.
• Mix and grind until all the ingredients are well ground.
• Once ground, shape it into a ball out of the Nellikka Chammanthi.
• Serve Nellikka Chammanthi/Gooseberry Chutney with Steamed Rice, Kerala Matta Rice or Kanji- Rice Porridge. 
  

NELLIKKA CHAMMANTHI - GOOSEBERRY/AMLA CHUTNEY

 NOTES:

• Adjust the number of Gooseberries to suit your taste of sourness.
• Can shape it into a ball only if you grind it without water. 
• If you feel it difficult to grind without water, sprinkle some water and then grind.
• Pulse for few seconds, mix it and then grind again, can do this process until every bit is well ground.
• Can prepare this Nellikka Chammanthi with/without - curry leaves, ginger & shallots. 
• Can use any type of Chillies - Green or Dry Red Chillies. 
• I have added Kanthari Mulagu (Bird's Eye Chillies) in this recipe.
• Adjust the amount of spiciness to your preference.
• Can use fresh Gooseberries or preserved gooseberries.

PRESERVED GOOSEBERRIES

 For a detailed recipe on HOW TO PRESERVE GOOSEBERRIES IN BRINE, Click here...