Sesame Seeds Chutney (Ellu Chutney)
Sesame Seeds Chutney, known as “Ellu Chutney” in South India, is a flavorful and nutritious accompaniment to a variety of dishes like Idli, Dosa, or even rice. This chutney is particularly popular in Karnataka and is made primarily with black sesame seeds. It’s simple to prepare and offers a delightful balance of tangy, spicy, and savory notes, making it a perfect addition to your breakfast or any meal. Let’s explore this easy-to-make chutney recipe that you can enjoy with your favorite dishes!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Black sesame seeds | 3 tbsp |
| White urad dal (split) | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh grated coconut | 3 tbsp |
| Dry red chilies | 5 pieces |
| Curry leaves | A few |
| Tamarind (soaked in water) | A small amount |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1 tsp |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Curry leaves (for tempering) | A few |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
10 minutes
Instructions
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Soak Tamarind: Begin by soaking tamarind in a little water for about 10 minutes. This will help soften the tamarind, making it easier to blend.
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Roast Sesame Seeds: In a pan or skillet, dry roast the black sesame seeds over medium heat. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure they roast evenly and release their flavor. Once they turn aromatic, remove them from the pan and set them aside to cool.
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Prepare the Dal and Spices: In the same pan, add 1 tsp of oil. Once the oil heats up, add the white urad dal, dry red chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté the mixture until the dal turns golden brown and the chilies become aromatic. Turn off the heat and set aside to cool.
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Blend the Chutney: In a mixer or blender, combine the roasted sesame seeds, the sautéed dal and spice mixture, the soaked tamarind (along with a bit of the water), and salt to taste. Blend all the ingredients into a smooth, thick paste.
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Prepare Tempering: In a small tempering pan, heat 1 tsp oil. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle for about 10 seconds. Once the mustard seeds start popping, add curry leaves and sauté for another 5 seconds.
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Final Mixing: Pour the prepared tempering over the chutney and mix well to incorporate all the flavors.
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Serving Suggestion: Serve this delightful Sesame Seeds Chutney (Ellu Chutney) with hot Idlis, crispy Dosas, or mixed vegetable sambar. You can also pair it with rice or Chapati for a wholesome meal.
Notes:
- For a variation, you can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer dry red chilies.
- Fresh coconut can be replaced with desiccated coconut if unavailable, but fresh gives the chutney a richer texture.
- If you prefer a tangier chutney, increase the amount of tamarind.
This vibrant, aromatic chutney adds a burst of flavor to your meals and is perfect for enhancing your breakfast routine. Try this Sesame Seeds Chutney today and indulge in the rich culinary traditions of Karnataka!
