Manathakkali Thayir Pachadi Recipe
A unique and healthy side dish from Tamil Nadu, Manathakkali Thayir Pachadi offers a delightful twist to your usual yogurt-based dishes. Often made with the seasonal Manathakkali or Black Nightshade berries, this recipe is a fusion of flavors with the perfect combination of tangy yogurt, spicy dried green chilies, and the distinctive taste of manathakkali kai vathal. The berries, which are typically available in the month of January in India, are mixed with yogurt and seasoned with traditional spices to create a dish that’s not only flavorful but also packed with numerous health benefits.
Perfect as a side dish, this Manathakkali Thayir Pachadi can be enjoyed with a variety of Indian meals, from a simple Maharashtrian Multigrain Thalipeeth to a flavorful Chettinad Vegetable Pulao. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, it’s sure to be a refreshing addition to your table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Manathakkali Kai Vathal | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mor Milagai (Dried Green Chillies) | 1 |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | Small bunch, finely chopped |
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai / Kadugu) | 1/3 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Water | As needed |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Begin by heating a pan and adding 1 teaspoon of oil. Allow the oil to heat up to medium.
- Prepare the Tempering: Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and asafoetida (hing). Let the mustard seeds splutter.
- Add Mor Milagai: Tear the mor milagai (dried green chilies) into smaller pieces and add them to the pan. Fry the chilies along with the tempering for about 1-2 minutes.
- Fry Manathakkali: Next, add the manathakkali kai vathal to the pan. Stir and fry for a few minutes until the berries start to burst open. The popping sound indicates that they are cooking well.
- Add Salt: Once the manathakkali starts to cook, add salt to taste and mix everything thoroughly. Continue stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Cook and Cover: As the berries cook, they will begin to burst open. At this point, cover the pan with a lid and allow it to cook for a few more minutes, stirring intermittently to ensure even cooking.
- Add Coriander Leaves: Once the mixture is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the freshly chopped coriander leaves. Stir well and allow the mixture to cool down completely.
- Mix with Yogurt: Once cooled, add curd (yogurt) to the cooled mixture. Add water as needed to adjust the consistency to a raita-like thickness.
- Marinate: Let the Manathakkali Thayir Pachadi marinate for at least 1 hour. You can store it in the fridge or leave it at room temperature for this duration to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve: Serve the Manathakkali Thayir Pachadi chilled or at room temperature as a side dish to complement your main course. It pairs wonderfully with Maharashtrian Multigrain Thalipeeth or Chettinad Vegetable Pulao.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80-90 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Vitamin C | 10% RDI |
| Calcium | 5% RDI |
| Iron | 2% RDI |
Tips for the Best Manathakkali Thayir Pachadi:
- Manathakkali berries are the star of this dish, so make sure to use fresh, quality kai vathal. You can also make your own dried manathakkali at home during its peak season.
- If you prefer a less spicy version, you can skip the mor milagai (dried green chilies) or use mild green chilies instead.
- This dish can also be prepared with other dried berries or vegetables, such as sundakkai (Turkey Berry), as a variation.
- The curd should be thick for the best texture. If it’s too runny, strain it slightly before using in the recipe.
- Allowing the pachadi to marinate helps all the flavors meld together, giving it a richer taste.
Manathakkali Thayir Pachadi is a light, nutritious, and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements your meal with a burst of tangy yogurt and spicy fried berries. Perfect for those who appreciate traditional flavors, this recipe brings a deliciously unique addition to your dining table.
