Chutneys /Chammanthy – An everlasting impression on your taste buds.
Chutneys/Chammanthy An everlasting impression on your taste buds.
Chutney is a way of preparing food by mixing, blending or crushing various herbs, fruits and vegetables, either uncooked or partially cooked. The ingredients in a chutney, therefore, lose very little of their nutritive properties. With all its goodness, chutneys are served not just as an accompaniment with all meals but also as a digestive. In India, chutneys are served with almost every meal, especially as relishes with hot dishes and curries. Chammanthy can be fresh or cooked, and are made from different varieties of ingredients, ranging in flavour from sour, sweet, spicy, mild or any combination. Chutneys can be made with herbs, fruits or vegetables. Mango and coconut chammanthy are common in Kerala.
Traditional preparation of Chammanthy /Chutneys
Chutneys may be ground with an ammikkal or a mortar and pestle . Spices/herbs/fruits are added and ground, usually in a particular order the wet paste thus made is sautéed in vegetable oil, usually coconut oil. Mixies/electric blenders or food processors can be used as labor-saving alternatives to stone grinding.
Herbs using preparation of chutneys – what are the herbs and spices using chammanthy preparation? Medicinal and health values of these herbs. Some Commonly used herbs and spices
Coriander leaves: These are used as a garnish in curries because of their aroma and flavour. The leaves can also be ground and combined with other ingredients to make a chutney. Coriander has a cooling effect on the body and also acts as a digestive. Coriander leaves have high levels of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron and vitamin A and B.
What’s the health benefits of using Coriander leaves? Can it be used in our diet?
Mint Leaves – One Of The Oldest Seasoning And Flavoring Agent: can be taken in the form of chutney as well as in drinks. Dried mint is very commonly used in Indian curries. Mint is very high is vitamins A, B and C and in calcium, iron, phosphorus, sulphur and chlorine. The last two minerals give it a cleansing property. Tea made of mint leaves is good for the liver, digestion, hardened arteries and fevers. Taken a few days before menstruation, it helps regulate menstrual flow. It is also effective for people with heart palpitations, nausea and vomiting. Mint chutney is a digestive as the leaves are full of active enzymes which help in the digestive process. Mint solves most dental problems. Menthol oil, which is used for dental problems, is extracted from mint.
Brahmi: Natural Brain Tonic The plant is astringent, bitter and cooling, and reportedly improves the intellect. It is also good for stomach ailments and the nervous system. Spices and Nuts : Chillies -green chilly-Birds Eye Chilly –Main ingredient of traditional Kerala dishes
