Thenga Churuttu Recipe - South Indian Coconut Roll Snack

Thenga Churuttu

Thenga Churuttu Recipe - South Indian Coconut Roll Snack
Region / culture: India, South India | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 3 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Thenga Churuttu
Thenga Churuttu

Thenga Churuttu is a traditional South Indian recipe that is popular in Kerala. This dish is made with mangoes and a blend of spices that give it a unique and tangy flavor. Thenga Churuttu is typically served as a side dish or condiment to accompany rice or roti.

History

Thenga Churuttu has been a staple in Kerala cuisine for generations. The recipe has been passed down from one generation to the next, with each family adding their own twist to the dish. The combination of mangoes and spices in Thenga Churuttu is believed to have originated in Kerala, where mangoes are abundant during the summer months.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Heat oil in a pan.
  2. Add mustard seeds to the heated oil.
  3. Reduce heat to low when the mustard seeds start to pop, then add chili powder, salt, asafoetida, turmeric, and stir for about 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it cool for a while.
  4. Add this mixture to the cut mangoes and mix thoroughly.
  5. Keep this mixture for 7–8 days to allow the flavors to seep into the mangoes.
  6. If desired, you can add a small amount of distilled vinegar to help preserve the freshness.
  7. This is the Kerala mango achar.

Variations

  • Add grated coconut for a creamier texture.
  • Use green mangoes for a tangier flavor.
  • Add jaggery for a hint of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe mangoes for the best flavor in Thenga Churuttu.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference.

- Store Thenga Churuttu in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Thenga Churuttu can be served as a side dish with rice, roti, or dosa.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Thenga Churuttu is to cook the spices on low heat to release their flavors without burning them.

Ingredient Substitutions

Mustard seeds can be substituted with cumin seeds.

- Asafoetida can be substituted with garlic powder.

Make Ahead Tips

Thenga Churuttu can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Thenga Churuttu in a small bowl garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.

Pairing Recommendations

Thenga Churuttu pairs well with curd rice or lemon rice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Thenga Churuttu in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Thenga Churuttu contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Thenga Churuttu is a low-carb dish, with most of the carbohydrates coming from the mangoes.

Fats

The fats in Thenga Churuttu come from the oil used for cooking.

Proteins

Thenga Churuttu is a protein-free dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Mangoes are rich in vitamins A and C, while the spices used in Thenga Churuttu provide additional nutrients like iron and potassium.

Alergens

Thenga Churuttu may contain mustard seeds and asafoetida, which can be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Thenga Churuttu is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Thenga Churuttu is a delicious and tangy mango pickle that is easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy this traditional South Indian dish as a side with your favorite meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Thenga Churuttu. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting a small village in Kerala, India. I had always been fascinated by the flavors and aromas of Indian cuisine, so I jumped at the chance to learn some authentic recipes from the locals.

As I wandered through the bustling streets, I stumbled upon a small food stall run by an elderly woman. The aroma of coconut and spices wafted through the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. I watched as she deftly rolled out thin, crispy churuttu (rolls) filled with a delicious coconut mixture. I knew I had to learn how to make them.

I approached the woman, who introduced herself as Amma. She had a warm smile and twinkling eyes that crinkled at the corners when she laughed. I asked her if she would be willing to teach me how to make Thenga Churuttu, and to my delight, she agreed.

We spent the entire day together, Amma patiently guiding me through each step of the recipe. She showed me how to grate fresh coconut, toast it until golden brown, and mix it with jaggery, cardamom, and a pinch of salt. The mixture was then spread onto thin, delicate rice flour crepes, which were rolled up and fried until crisp and golden.

As we worked, Amma shared stories of her childhood in Kerala, of the traditional recipes passed down through generations, and of the importance of food in bringing people together. I listened intently, soaking up every word like a sponge.

By the time the sun began to dip below the horizon, we had a plate piled high with Thenga Churuttu. I took a bite, and the flavors exploded on my tongue - sweet, salty, and aromatic all at once. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

As I bid farewell to Amma that evening, she pressed a small scrap of paper into my hand. On it was written the recipe for Thenga Churuttu, in her elegant, swirling script. She told me to cherish it, to pass it on to future generations, and to always remember the day we spent together.

And so, I returned home with the recipe for Thenga Churuttu tucked safely in my pocket. Over the years, I have made it countless times, each batch a tribute to the beautiful memories of that day in Kerala. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with the delicate, crispy rolls filled with fragrant coconut.

As I sit here now, thinking back on that fateful day, I am filled with gratitude for the chance encounter that led me to discover the recipe for Thenga Churuttu. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us, to bridge cultures and generations, and to bring joy to our hearts and bellies alike.

So, if you ever find yourself in Kerala, wandering through the narrow streets and alleyways, keep an eye out for a small food stall run by a wise old woman with twinkling eyes. Ask her to teach you how to make Thenga Churuttu, and you will be rewarded with a culinary experience you will never forget.

Categories

| Asafetida Recipes | Chile Leaf Recipes | Indian Recipes | Mango Recipes | Mustard Seed Recipes | South Indian Recipes | Turmeric Recipes | White Vinegar Recipes |

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