Ginger-Tamarind Chutney (Inji Puli)
This tart and spicy condiment is always served with a Sadhya feast. It is especially nice mixed with plain rice and yogurt as a palate cleanser. This recipe is part of our menu for Sadhya, a South Indian feast.
•Indian ingredients can be mail-ordered from Kalustyans.com.
•Chutney keeps, chilled, 2 weeks. Rewarm before serving.
Recipe information
Total Time
20 minutes
Yield
Makes 1 cup
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over medium-low heat (coconut oil has a very low smoking point, so be careful not to let it get too hot). Add ginger and chile and cook, stirring, until ginger begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 2
Dissolve tamarind concentrate in 1/2 cup hot water.
Step 3
Heat remaining tablespoon coconut oil in a small heavy skillet over medium heat, then cook mustard seeds until they begin to pop and/or turn gray. Add red pepper flakes and curry leaves (if using), covering skillet immediately, and stir until curry leaves are crisp.
Step 4
Add spice mixture to ginger mixture along with cayenne, asafetida, and salt and cook over medium heat, stirring, 1 minute. Add tamarind liquid and jaggery and simmer, stirring, until mixture becomes somewhat thick and syrupy, about 2 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
