Chettinadu Horsegram Chutney (Kollu Thogayal) Recipe

Chettinadu Style Kollu Thogayal (Horsegram Chutney) Recipe

Chettinadu cuisine, renowned for its vibrant flavors and complex spice combinations, brings forward this delicious and nutritious side dish: Kollu Thogayal. This horsegram chutney, known for its high protein content and rich flavor, is a traditional South Indian delight that pairs wonderfully with hot rice and a dollop of homemade ghee.

Kollu, also known as horse gram, is a legume that is widely appreciated for its health benefits, including being a good source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. This chutney is a wonderful accompaniment to rice, offering a perfect balance of spices, tang, and depth of flavor. In this recipe, roasted horse gram is ground with garlic, onions, tamarind, and a blend of aromatic spices, then tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves to bring out a rich, savory taste.

Ingredients:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Chettinad

Course: Side Dish

Diet: High Protein Vegetarian

Instructions:

1. Roast the Horse Gram: Begin by dry roasting the horse gram (kollu) on low heat in a heavy-bottomed pan. Stir occasionally to ensure even roasting. Roast the dal until you start noticing a pleasant aroma, which indicates it’s done. Remove the pan from the heat and let the roasted kollu cool down completely.

2. Pressure Cook the Kollu: Once the kollu has cooled, transfer it into a pressure cooker. Add enough water to cover the dal. Pressure cook for about 3 whistles. After the pressure releases naturally, carefully drain the excess water into a bowl. This kollu water can be repurposed for making rasam or added while grinding the chutney to adjust the consistency.

3. Sauté the Aromatics: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 teaspoons of sunflower oil over medium flame. Add cumin seeds and whole black peppercorns to the hot oil. Allow them to splutter for a few seconds, releasing their natural oils and fragrance. Next, add the dry red chillies, garlic cloves, and chopped onions to the pan. Sauté the mixture until the onions become translucent and soft. Stir in the tamarind and cook for another minute, then turn off the heat. Allow this mixture to cool completely.

4. Grind the Thogayal: Once the sautéed mixture has cooled, transfer it to a blender or food processor. Add the cooked horse gram (kollu) and salt to taste. If needed, add some of the filtered kollu water (that you set aside earlier) to help blend the mixture into a coarse paste. The consistency should be thick but spreadable.

5. Prepare the Tempering: For the tempering, heat 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil in a small tempering pan. Add mustard seeds and curry leaves. Allow them to crackle and splutter in the hot oil, which will enhance the flavor of the chutney. Once the spluttering stops, pour the tempering over the prepared kollu chutney and give it a good stir.

6. Serve: Serve this Chettinadu Style Kollu Thogayal with hot rice and a dollop of homemade ghee for an authentic and fulfilling South Indian meal. For an extra touch, enjoy it with a side of Veppam Poo Rasam to make your meal even more flavorful.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

Tips:

• Adjust Spice Level: You can modify the number of red chillies to suit your spice preference. For a milder version, reduce the number of chillies or remove the seeds.
• Consistency: The texture of the chutney can be adjusted based on your liking. If you prefer it smoother, you can grind it finer. For a chunkier texture, leave it a little coarse.
• Serving Ideas: This chutney can also be paired with dosa, idli, or even as a spread for sandwiches.

This Chettinadu Style Kollu Thogayal is not just a flavorful chutney; it’s also a healthy and hearty addition to your meals. The combination of roasted horse gram and spices makes this dish a powerhouse of nutrients, perfect for a protein-packed vegetarian meal. Whether you’re enjoying it with rice, or any of your favorite South Indian dishes, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your dining table. Enjoy the warmth of Chettinad flavors in every bite!