Garlic Gooseberry Chutney (Lehsun Amla Chutney)
A flavor-packed side dish to elevate your meals, this Garlic Gooseberry Chutney (Lehsun Amla Chutney) blends the tanginess of fresh gooseberries (amla) with the earthy flavor of garlic, complemented by a tempered mix of mustard seeds, dals, and cashews. It’s a versatile chutney that pairs beautifully with dosa, idli, or even hot steamed rice. Whether served for breakfast or a simple lunch, this chutney promises to tantalize your taste buds with its bold flavors.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Amla (Gooseberries) | 8 (seeded and chopped) |
| Pearl onions (Sambar onions) | 6 (small, peeled) |
| Garlic cloves | 10 (peeled) |
| Green chillies | 2 (slit) |
| Fresh mint leaves (Pudina) | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh coriander leaves (Dhania) | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower oil | 1 teaspoon (for cooking) |
| Sunflower oil | 1 teaspoon (for tempering) |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| White urad dal (split) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Chana dal (Bengal gram dal) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Cashew nuts | 10 (whole) |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 3
Cuisine: Tamil Nadu
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by thoroughly washing the gooseberries (amla) under running water. Slice the gooseberries into small pieces and carefully remove the seeds. Wash the fresh mint leaves and coriander leaves, then set them aside. -
-
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil. Once the oil is hot, add the pearl onions and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and the garlic releases its aroma. -
Add the Gooseberries and Greens
Next, add the chopped gooseberries, along with the mint leaves and coriander leaves to the pan. Stir everything together, ensuring the leaves wilt down. Sauté for another 2 minutes until everything is well combined, then remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool down. -
Blend into a Chutney
Once the sautéed ingredients have cooled, transfer them to a blender or food processor. Add salt according to your taste preference and a small splash of water (just enough to help blend everything smoothly). Blend the mixture until it forms a thick, chunky paste. Set the chutney aside. -
Prepare the Tempering
In a small tadka pan, heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Allow them to crackle, and then add the chana dal and urad dal. Let the dals fry for a minute or two until they turn golden brown. -
Add Curry Leaves and Cashews
Add the curry leaves and cashew nuts to the pan. Stir the mixture and fry the cashews until they are golden brown and crunchy. This tempering will give your chutney a delicious crunch and an extra layer of flavor. -
Combine the Chutney and Tempering
Pour the prepared tempering over the blended garlic amla chutney. Mix everything thoroughly so the tempering is evenly distributed throughout the chutney. -
Serve and Enjoy
Your Garlic Gooseberry Chutney is now ready to serve! This chutney pairs wonderfully with traditional idli or dosa, making for a refreshing breakfast or snack. Alternatively, serve it with hot steamed rice and a dollop of ghee, alongside beetroot poriyal, for a simple and nourishing lunch.
Tips:
- Storage: This chutney can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thinner chutney, you can add a little more water while blending. For a thicker chutney, use less water.
- Variations: You can adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the number of green chillies. Add a little jaggery or sugar if you prefer a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy gooseberries.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Potassium | 150 mg |
This Garlic Gooseberry Chutney is a great way to incorporate the health benefits of amla (Indian gooseberry), which is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, into your meals. Its bold flavors, paired with the savory tempering, make it an ideal accompaniment to any South Indian breakfast or as a tangy side for lunch. Whether you’re looking to spice up your dosa or elevate a simple rice dish, this chutney will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire!
