Ammamma’s Chutney with Fresh Ingredients

Ammamma's Chutney -  That Travelled With Me, Stayed With My Amma

    You know a recipe is special when it tiptoes into your mom’s kitchen, and then proudly takes centre stage as her signature dish. Ammamma’s Chutney, as lovingly named by my kids, is just that—a humble tomato-onion-coconut chutney I tried out during my college days that now has a legacy of its own in our home.

    This isn’t your traditional chutney—it’s my own take on the classic Tamil-style kara chutney, reimagined with a generous scoop of grated coconut, a hint of tamarind, and a handful of fresh herbs for that extra hug of comfort. It’s authentically Tamil at heart, but with a whisper of Malayalee influence—because honestly, how can a Malayalee make chutney without sneaking in some coconut? The result? Something uniquely mine, stirred with memory, spice, and a little cultural mischief.

Spice Up Your Meals with Chinna Vengaya Chutney | South Indian Small Onion Chutney

Spicy Chinna Vengaya Chutney Recipe | Small Onion Chutney

    When it comes to side dishes for popular South Indian dishes like Idli, Dosa, Paniyaram, Uthappam, Sambar and Coconut Chutney usually take the spotlight. However, there are underrated chutneys that deserve special mention, like the flavourful and versatile Chinna Vengaya Chutney. This spicy chutney, made with shallots or small onions, adds a unique twist to your meal. Learn how to make this delicious Chinna Vengaya Chutney with this easy recipe and elevate your dishes.

    The Rojapoo Chutney Story In my household - My Mom used to make a quick fix chutney that was a variation of Ulli Mulagu Chalichathu. She lovingly named it Rojapoo Chutney for me when I was a kid, with the sole intention of making me eat Idli and Dosas with this spicy chutney. To entice me, she would convince me that it was made with delicate rose petals, which gave it a pink colour. She added a bit of green chillies for spiciness and drizzled coconut oil over the chutney to enhance the flavours. As I grew older and started cooking myself, I put my own twist on the chutney by substituting green chillies with red chilli powder. To this day, these chutneys hold a special place in my kitchen, reminding me of those cherished childhood memories.

"Click here to explore my version of a spicy twist with Vengaya Chutney."

    Add a zing to your South Indian meals with this delicious and spicy Chinna Vengaya Chutney. Made with small onions, this under-celebrated chutney brings a burst of flavour to your favourite dishes. Try this easy-to-make recipe and elevate your culinary experience. Enjoy the Chinna Vengaya Chutney with various breakfast or dinner items for a delightful and satisfying meal. And remember, every chutney has its own story, just like the delightful Rojapoo Chutney that brings back fond childhood memories.

For more CHUTNEY RECIPES & CULINARY INSPIRATIONS, visit Essence of Life - Food

Cuisine - South India 
Recipe Type - Condiment
Spice Level - Medium-High
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 3-4
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 10-15 Minutes
Cooking Time - 10-15 Minutes

Spice Up Your Meals with Chinna Vengaya Chutney | South Indian Small Onion Chutney

Ingredients:

For Chinna Vengaya Chutney:

For Tempering:

Method:

For Chinna Vengaya Chutney:

• Heat Gingelly Oil in a pan.
• Add Dry Red chillies and Kashmiri Dry Chillies and fry it on a low flame for a few minutes.
• Remove it from the oil and keep it aside.
• In the remaining oil, add small onions, chopped regular onions, garlic, and salt. 
• Add 1/2 a lemon-sized tamarind and give a quick stir. 
• Sauté it for about 6–7 minutes until the onions turn slightly brown and translucent. 
• Remove from heat and let it cool.
• Grind the onion mixture along with the roasted chillies into a smooth paste. 
• Avoid adding water while grinding. Set aside.

For Tempering:

• Heat Gingelly Oil in a pan, splutter mustard seeds, add urad dhal. Let it turn into light golden colour.
• Add dried red chillies, curry leaves, and asafoetida and fry it on a low flame for a few seconds.
• Now, pour in the ground onion paste to the pan. 
• Rinse the mixer jar with 1/4 cup of water and add it to the pan. 
• Optionally, add half a teaspoon of powdered jaggery for added flavour.
• Sauté the chutney for a couple of minutes until it thickens to the desired consistency. Avoid overcooking, as the onions are already cooked.
• Serve the flavourful Chinna Vengaya Chutney with a variety of South Indian dishes like Idli, Dosa, Paniyaram, Uthappam, Ilaneer Dosai, Kal Dosai, Set Dosai, or Rava Dosai.

Tips and Notes:

Variety of Chillies: 

     For an authentic flavour, use a combination of Kashmiri red chillies and Normal dry red chillies. The Kashmiri chillies not only add a vibrant colour but also lend a unique taste to the chutney. However, if you don't have access to Kashmiri chillies, you can omit them and use only the regular dried red chillies.

Roasting Chillies: 

     Take care not to overcook or burn the dried red chillies while sautéing them. They can quickly turn bitter if exposed to high heat for too long. Sauté them just until they become plump and aromatic.

Sautéing Onions: 

     When sautéing the small onions and regular onions, aim for a golden brown colour and translucent. This helps enhance the depth of flavour in the chutney.

Grinding the Onion Mixture: 

     While grinding the onion mixture along with the roasted chillies, refrain from adding water. This ensures a thicker consistency and concentrated flavours in the chutney. However, if needed, you can add a small amount of water sparingly.

Tempering the Chutney: 

     The tempering process adds an aromatic touch to the chutney. Allow the urad dhal to turn golden brown before adding the mustard seeds, dried red chillies, curry leaves, and asafoetida. This enhances the overall flavour profile of the chutney.

Adjusting Consistency:

     If you prefer a thinner consistency for the chutney, you can add a little water while sautéing the onion mixture or during the tempering stage. However, be cautious not to make it too runny, as the chutney should have a slightly thick texture.

     Including jaggery in the chutney helps balance the flavours by adding a subtle sweetness. It can be omitted if you prefer a purely spicy chutney or adjust the amount according to your taste preference.

Serving Suggestions: 

     The Chinna Vengayam Chutney pairs well with various South Indian dishes like Idli, Dosa, Paniyaram, Uthappam, Ilaneer Dosai, Kal Dosai, Set Dosai, or Rava Dosai.  However, feel free to experiment and enjoy it with other dishes or as a dip for snacks.

      Remember, cooking is a creative process, so feel free to adjust the spice levels, ingredients, or proportions based on your personal taste preferences. Enjoy the delicious and flavoursome Chinna Vengayam Chutney!

SORAKKAI CHUTNEY - BOTTLE GOURD CHUTNEY

    Discover a simple and nutritious chutney recipe made with Sorakkai, also known as Bottle Gourd. This South Indian Condiment alias Chutney is versatile and pairs perfectly with South Indian Breakfast dishes like Idli, Dosa, Uthappam, Paniyaram, and even rice. Get creative with this nutritious twist!

    The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, tomato, coconut, coriander leaves, and bottle gourd creates a flavourful base. Grinding them into a fine paste makes it smooth and consistent. The optional tempering of mustard seeds, urad dhal, dry red chillies, and coriander leaves adds a final touch of aroma and taste.

    Sneak in some healthy ingredients for your kids without revealing the ingredient. An Indian mother's clever strategy to introduce nutritious food to selective eaters in a wholesome manner.  Sometimes, children can be picky eaters, but finding creative ways to incorporate nutritious ingredients can be a good strategy. However, as they grow older, their taste buds become more discerning, and they may notice the difference in flavours.

    It's natural for kids to develop preferences and become more aware of the ingredients used in dishes. While it may be disappointing that they can now identify the ingredients added in a dish, it's also a sign of their growing maturity and awareness of different flavours.

    Nevertheless, I continue to explore and experiment with different chutney recipes. There are numerous variations you can try, and it's always exciting to discover new flavours and combinations. Who knows, maybe your kids will develop a liking for other chutneys or dishes as they continue to grow and explore different tastes!

SORAKKAI CHUTNEY - BOTTLE GOURD CHUTNEY

    Indulge in the flavoursome and nutritious sorakkai/bottle gourd chutney that complements a variety of South Indian dishes. This easy-to-make condiment can be enjoyed with Idli, Dosa, Uthappam, Paniyaram and rice. Sneak in some extra veggies without your kids even noticing. Try this recipe today and elevate your meals with this delightful chutney!

    It's wonderful to have versatile chutneys like this that can be paired with different dishes. Enjoy your homemade Sorakkai Chutney! 

For more CHUTNEY RECIPES & CULINARY INSPIRATIONS, visit Essence of Life - Food

Cuisine - South India 
Recipe Type - Condiment
Spice Level - Medium-High
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 5
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 5 Minutes
Cooking Time - 10-15 Minutes

Explore a variety of enticing Recipes with BOTTLE GOURD by clicking here

HOW TO COOK FLAVOURFUL SORAKKAI CHUTNEY RECIPE - HEALTHY BOTTLE GOURD CHUTNEY

SORAKKAI CHUTNEY - BOTTLE GOURD CHUTNEY

INGREDIENTS:

For Sorakkai/Bottle Gourd Chutney :

For Tempering (Optional):

METHOD:

For Sorakkai/Bottle Gourd Chutney :

• Heat oil in a Pan, splutter Mustard Seeds on a medium flame.
• Add Black Gram Dhal/Urad Dhal & Bengal Gram Dhal to the above and fry on a very low flame for few minutes.
• The Dhals should turn into a golden yellow colour.
• Do not burn the ingredients which will alter the taste of the chutney.
• Add Dry Red Chillies and fry until it fluffs up.
• Sauté Garlic Cloves along with the above ingredients until aromatic.
• Add finely chopped Onions and sauté until onions turn translucent.
• Add chopped Tomatoes along with a dash of Tamarind.
• Meanwhile, Clean and chop the Bottle Gourd(Sorakkai) into small cubes (Do not remove the skin).
• Once the tomatoes turn soft and cooked, add chopped Bottle Gourd.
  
• Sprinkle 1/2 a Teaspoon of Salt and sauté it for a while on a medium flame.
• Add salt and give a quick stir.
• Lower the flame, cover and cook for about 5 minutes or until the tomatoes are well cooked.
• Add finely chopped Coriander Leaves to the above and cook for few seconds (until it wilts).
• Add the coarsely ground mixture and give a quick stir.
• Allow the Tomato & Coriander Chutney mixture to cool.
• Grind the ingredients to a smooth paste.
• For tempering, heat oil in a Pan, splutter Mustard Seeds on a medium flame.
• Add Black Gram Dhal/Urad Dhal & Bengal Gram Dhal to the above and fry on a very low flame for few minutes.
• Then add Dry Red Chillies cut into small pieces and finally add Curry Leaves and give a quick stir.
• Pour the tempering onto the Sorakkai Chutney and mix well.
  
• Serve Sorakkai Chutney along with Idli, Dosa, Uthappam, Paniyaram etc.,
• Goes well with Rice too.  Serve piping hot rice & Sorakkai Chutney with a drizzle of Ghee. 

SORAKKAI CHUTNEY - BOTTLE GOURD CHUTNEY

NOTES:

• Adjust the number of Dry Red Chillies to suit your spice level.
• Can substitute Red Chillies with Green Chillies.
  
• I have used normal Tomatoes in the recipes which are not tangy.
• So I added a dash of Tamarind for the required tanginess in this Chutney.
• If you are using Local Tomatoes/Nattu Thakkali can skip adding Tamarind or adjust accordingly.
• Add finely chopped Bottle gourd and cook until it turns soft.
• I usually do not peel the Bottle Gourds while using it in Poriyals, Kootu or Chutneys. The vegetable serves best with the peel too.
  

Crispy Unakka Manthal Fry|Dried Sole Fish Fry – Crunchy & Spicy!

Unakka Manthal Varuthathu – Dried Sole Fish Fry

    Few dishes bring as much nostalgia to my plate as Unakka Manthal Varuthathu—a crispy, flavour-packed Dried Sole Fish Fry. More than just a dish, this is a journey down memory lane. Every trip to Palakkad is incomplete without bringing back a pack of Unakka Nangu or Unakka Manthal, making it an inseparable part of my travel memories.

A Nostalgic Bite

    My love for dried fish goes back further than I can remember. It has been one of my absolute favourites since childhood. Holidays at my mother’s home meant a visit to the Kongad Chanda—a bustling shandy market in Kongad, open only on Mondays. My grandfather would carry a big vatti (basket) to the market and return with loads of groceries, fresh vegetables, and, without fail, two special items—A pack of dried fish wrapped in newspaper, securely tied with jute rope.  A few Ari Murukku, tied like a garland, ready to be devoured.

    The moment he returned, we kids were treated to crunchy Murukkus, while my grandmother got busy frying Unakka Nangu. A crispy piece of Unakka Manthal with steaming rice? Heaven!

AMRITSARI ALOO KULCHA

      Kulcha is a popular Indian flat bread specifically from North India, It's a typical Punjabi recipe. The whole credit for this Indian bread goes to the city of Amritsar, where Amritsari Chole Bature and Naans are famous for.   It is famous in Pakistan and Kashmir too. Also, it is the most sought Indian bread next to Naan. 

     As such, Aloo Kulcha takes a special place in Indian Breads, as these popular Punjabi flatbreads are stuffed with spicy Potato Mix. These Aloo Masala is cooked in a traditional Punjabi style with Anardaana Powder, Carom Seeds, Amchur Powder, Coriander Seeds, Red Chilli Powder etc.,

AMRITSARI ALOO KULCHA

• Punjabi Chole/Amritsari Chole
• Onion Tamarind (Pyaaz Imli Ki Chutney)
• Sliced Onions with a wedge of Lime.

Can also serve it with any other Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian Curry of your choice.

For traditional KULCHA RECIPE, Click here...

Cuisine : North Indian (Punjabi & Kashmiri); Pakistan
Course : Main Course
Difficulty : Medium
Serves : 4
Yields : 12 Kulchas
Author : SM

Preparation Time : 15–20 Minutes
Leavening Time : 3–4 Hours
Cooking Time : 20 - 30 Minutes

For more INDIAN BREAD RECIPES, Click here...

HOW TO COOK AMRITSARI ALOO KULCHA

AMRITSARI ALOO KULCHA

INGREDIENTS:

For Kulcha:

All Purpose Flour/Maida  -  3 Cups
Milk/ Water -  1 Cup
Curd  -  2 Tablespoons
Baking Powder  -  1 Teaspoon
Cooking Soda / Sodium-bi-carbonate  -  1/2 Teaspoon
Sugar  -  3 Teaspoons
Salt -  To Taste
Oil  -  3 - 4 Tablespoons

For the Stuffing:

For Garnishing:

Method:

To Knead the Kulcha Dough:

• Sieve All Purpose flour along with salt, Baking Powder and Cooking Soda once.
• Add Sugar to the flour and mix well.
• Make a well in the centre and pour the curd into it.
• Knead it into a pliable dough using enough milk.
• Finally, add oil and knead again for about 7–8 minutes.
• Cover it with a wet cloth and leave it aside for 3–4 hours.
• Before rolling them, knead it again.
• Divide the dough into 10-12 medium-sized balls and keep it aside.
  

For the Stuffing:

• Boil the Potatoes, peel and mash them.
• Add all the ingredients mentioned under "For the Stuffing" and mix well.
• Sprinkle Amchur Powder, Kasuri Methi and finely chopped Coriander Leaves/Spring Onions and mix well.
• Finally, add finely chopped Onions and Green Chillies.
• Divide the Potato Stuffing into 10-12 medium-sized balls and keep them aside.

AMRITSARI ALOO KULCHA

For Aloo Kulcha:

• Roll the dough balls into thin circles.
• Place a little Potato Stuffing at the centre.
• Bring the sides of the dough together and seal them tightly with your fingers, shaping them into a ball.
• Dust some flour and roll the dough with Potato Stuffing into a Circle.
• Then cook Aloo Kulcha in a suitable way.
  

Cooking them on a Griddle: 

* On Direct Flame:

• Heat the griddle.
• Roll Aloo Kulchas into a round or an oval shape.
• Smear oil/butter over one side of the Aloo Kulcha and roll it once again. 
• Brush a little bit of water over one side of the Aloo Kulcha and press them to the griddle.
• Invert the griddle and cook one side of the Aloo Kulcha over a direct flame to give it a tandoor like texture and flavour. 
• Flip it and then brush water over the other side of Aloo Kulcha and spread the garnish over it.
• Then cook the other side of the Aloo Kulcha.
• Follow the suit for the rest of the Kulchas.
  

* Over a Griddle: 

• Heat the griddle.
• Roll Aloo Kulchas into a round or an oval shape.
• Smear oil/butter over one side of the Aloo Kulcha and roll it once again. 
• Brush a little bit of water over one side of the Aloo Kulcha and sprinkle the garnishes over it.
• Placed the rolled Aloo Kulcha over the griddle.  Let the flame be at the high.
• Wait until the bubbles start to form over the Kulchas.
• Now lower the flame, flip and cook the other side of Kulcha. (the side with garnish) for a few minutes. 
• Follow the suit for the rest of the Kulchas. 
  

Baking them in an Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 180 Degree Celsius.
• Place the rolled Aloo Kulchas on the baking tray. 
• Bake them in the preheated oven for about 4–5 minutes. 
• Flip them and bake them again for about 3–5 minutes. 
• Remove them from oven and then brush butter over it.

NOTES:

• Sifting the dry ingredients once makes the flour lighter and combines all ingredients evenly.
• This also makes a soft, pliable dough.
• Can use water or milk to knead the dough.
• Mash the potatoes without any lumps.
• If the Potato stuffing is prepared without lumps and large pieces, the Kulchas will not break while rolling.
• Can Substitute Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) with Lemon Juice.
• Chop Onions and Green Chillies as finely as possible.
• Can avoid adding Green Chillies too.
• Using the ingredients mentioned under 'For Garnishing' is totally optional.
• Iron griddles work best to make this Kulchas. 
• Smear some fresh butter over hot Aloo Kulchas before serving. 

Mini Tiffin: The Ultimate South Indian Breakfast Menu (Vadai, Pongal, Kesari & More)

ONION CHUTNEY /ROJA POO CHUTNEY

INGREDIENTS :

For Seasoning :

METHOD :

• Grind Chopped Shallots, Green Chillies, Tamarind with a dash of Salt and a pinch of Sugar to a fine paste in a blender/food processor.
• Do not add Water while grinding the Onion Chutney.
• Remove the Chutney from the blender.
• Serve this Onion Chutney/Roja Poo Chutney with a hearty drizzle of Coconut Oil.
• Serve the Onion Chutney/Roja Poo Chutney along with Idli, Dosai, Uthappam or Paniyaram.

NOTES :

• This is a raw chutney, mix all the ingredients and grind it into a fine paste.
• Do not add water while grinding the Onion Chutney/Roja Poo Chutney.
• Can choose to season the Chutney or just pour few teaspoons of coconut oil over the Chutney and serve it as such.
• Can use Onions instead of Shallots.
• Adjust the number of Green Chillies to suit your spice level.
• Remove seeds if any and shred the tamarind into very small pieces before grinding it along with other ingredients. I have used Tamarind Paste in the recipe.
• Adding Sugar is purely optional.

LEMON SEVAI

HOW TO MAKE LEMON SEVAI

INGREDIENTS :

For Seasoning :

Garnishing :

METHOD :

• Crumble the Idiyappams coarsely with your fingers until they are evenly shredded into tiny strands and keep them aside.
• Heat Oil in a pan, splutter the Mustard seeds.
• Add Bengal Gram Dhal & Urad Dhal along with Dry Red Chillies and Curry leaves.
• Fry the above on a medium flame until fragrant and the colour changes into slight golden brown.
• Add finely chopped Onions, Green Chillies and Ginger to the above seasonings and saute until Onions turns translucent.
• Sprinkle the Turmeric Powder and give a quick stir on a low flame.
• Add grated Coconut to the above and mix well, leave it on a low flame for 1-2 minutes stirring occasionally.
• Add crumbled Idiyappams along with Salt and mix well until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
• Leave this on a low flame for few minutes.
• Pour in the Lime Juice along with a pinch of Sugar and mix well.
• Garnish the Lemon Sevai with finely chopped Coriander leaves.
• Serve Lemon Sevai hot along with Sambar or Chutney.

• Can prepare this Lemon Sevai with Ready-made Idiyappams.  
• I prepare the same recipe with soaked Rice Vermicelli(Bihun) too.
• Adding Sugar will balance the overall taste of the dish, but it is purely optional.
• Can also add few Peanuts/Cashew Nuts while tempering.