Nellikka Chammanthi (Gooseberry/Amla Chutney)

Nellikka Chammanthi (Gooseberry/Amla Chutney)

Nellikka Chammanthi / Amla/ Gooseberry chutney is great for a healthy diet, as it contains several vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants and enhances your immunity. Nellikkai/ Amla/ Gooseberries are rich in Vitamin C and is a major ingredient in Ayurvedic preparations like Chavanprash, Nellikka Arishtam (herbal tonic) that boosts immunity and makes you stronger. Unlike Lemon and oranges that lose its Vitamin C content after heating, gooseberry or Nellikkai does not lose its vitamin C and other nutrients on heating, boiling or drying.

Nellikka/ Gooseberry is best eaten raw, but most of the kids refuse to eat it raw. In that case try pickles, Amla chutney or even Amla in powder form mixed with Jaggery. You can also try soaking it in salt water (uppilittathu) with chilies (Kanthari mulaku). This Nellikka Chammanthi is my Mom’s recipe and is really simple and tasty. It is great with rice and the best way to have a healthy and hearty meal.  The slight purple colour is also appealing and makes it unique. I have tasted Nellikka chammanthi where raw gooseberries are added. This one tastes way better and remains fresh for longer time. I boil the Nellikka/ Amla before making chutney which gives that unique taste to the chutney.

Amla is good for your skin, hair and boosts your immunity. Click the link for more health benefits of Gooseberry. Along with hot rice, Kumbalanga Moru Curry, thoran and some Kovakka fry, this is all you need for a hearty, satisfying lunch. Also check Veppilakkatti, Tomato chutney, Manga chammanthi, Thenga Chammanthi and Unakkachemmeen Chammanthi  recipes for variety. You should also try my special Onion Tomato Chutney for Idlis and Dosas. Without further ado, here is the recipe for simple and tasty Nellikka Chammanthi! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Method:

Wash and cook Nellikkai in little water (half cup) and salt. Cook covered till soft and let the water dry. Remove seeds from Nellikka. Grind the coconut nicely with Nellikka, green chili, small onion, ginger and curry leaves.

Add enough Salt and mix well. Serve with rice.

Tips:

• The Nellikkai/ Gooseberry/ Amla should be cooked in just enough water. The water should dry up when it is cooked.
• No water is required to grind the coconut.

Hope you liked this healthy Nellikka Chammanthi recipe. Please put in your comments and share with your friends using the share buttons on the side; that would encourage me to post more home tried recipes. God Bless!!