Potent Pacchadi: Allam Pacchadi
Allam Pacchadi (Ginger Chutney)
Ginger, one of the oldest and most popular spices in herbal medicines is spicy, peppery and fragrant. It is good both in sweet and non-sweet dishes. It adds a hot yet refreshing warmth to curries and cakes. Ginger is so good to health; our elders devised a great recipe for everyday consumption. That is allam pacchadi or ginger chutney. In this another 100 plus year old recipe, ginger, tamarind, jaggery and dried red chillies are ground together, then to remove the rawness fresh tadka is added and cooked for few minutes. This is a potent pacchadi, usually taken in small quantities and tastes excellent when served with idly, dosa or pesarattu.
Allam Pacchadi (Ginger Chutney)
(makes about cup and half)Ginger: Fresh and young, thin skinned ginger is best for this recipe. Gently peel the skin and finely chop the ginger. One full cup.
Tamarind: Take two tablespoons of thick tamarind pulp.
Dried red chillies (Indian variety) – 6, small finger length ones
Jaggery: We need about quarter cup of jaggery for this recipe. Pound or grate it for easy mixing.
Take all the above in a mixer or in a mortar. Add half teaspoon of salt. Pulse or pound to smooth paste. Remove to a cup.
Do the tadka: In a small pan, heat a teaspoon of peanut oil. Add a sprig of curry leaves and pinch each cumin and mustard seeds. Also a pinch of hing. Toast to fragrance. Add ginger chutney to the pan. Cook for five minutes on low heat, stirring often. Remove and serve. Stays fresh for a week, when refrigerated.
© Recipe and Photos Copyright 2009 Indira Singari.
Allam Pacchadi with Idly ~ Breakfast Today