Andhra Style Usirikaya Pachadi (Indian Gooseberries Chutney) Recipe
Description:
Andhra Style Usirikaya Pachadi is a delightful chutney made with amla, also known as Indian gooseberries, which is a staple in Andhra cuisine. This chutney beautifully balances tangy, sour, and spicy flavors. The amla’s sharpness is mellowed with green chilies and tempered with a delicious seasoning. Often served with hot plain rice and a generous dollop of ghee (clarified butter), this chutney elevates any meal, making it a popular choice for a side dish in everyday Andhra meals.
Cuisine: Andhra
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Amla (Nellikai/Gooseberry) | 15, medium-sized |
| Green Chillies | 4 |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chilli | 2 |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Oil | For tempering |
| Salt | As per taste |
Preparation Time:
- 5 minutes
Cook Time:
- 20 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Amla:
Begin by washing the amla (Indian gooseberries) thoroughly in running water. Place them in a pressure cooker, add enough water to cover them, and cook for about 2 whistles, or until the amla becomes soft and tender. Once done, allow them to cool. After cooling, remove the seeds from the amla. -
Blend the Chutney:
In a blender, combine the boiled amla, green chilies, a pinch of asafoetida, and salt. Blend everything into a smooth paste. Adjust the salt as per your taste preferences. -
Tempering (Tadka):
Heat some oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Next, add the dry red chilies and fry them for about a minute, allowing the flavors to release. -
Combine:
Switch off the flame and add the prepared tempering to the chutney. Mix it well, ensuring that the chutney is evenly flavored with the tempering. -
Serve:
Serve this Andhra Style Usirikaya Pachadi hot with steamed rice and a side of mixed vegetable sambar for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with hot rice and ghee, enhancing the flavor and making it a perfect accompaniment to your meal.
Serving Suggestion:
This chutney is a quintessential side dish in Andhra households. You can enjoy it as a dip with snacks or pair it with rice and dal for a wholesome, flavorful meal. The tangy, spicy chutney makes for a great addition to your weekly meal rotation, offering both taste and nutrition in every bite.
Nutritional Information
While specific values may vary based on portion size and the exact ingredients used, this chutney is naturally low in calories and a great source of vitamin C due to the amla. It adds a burst of flavor without overwhelming your meal, making it perfect for those looking to enhance their dishes with healthy and flavorful ingredients.
Andhra Style Usirikaya Pachadi is a perfect representation of the region’s rich culinary traditions. Its bold and vibrant flavors bring an authentic touch to your table, making it an ideal choice for spice lovers and those wanting to explore regional Indian chutneys.
