Chutney Podi/Chutney powder

Chutney podi using coconut is something I have never tried or I should say that Idli podi is the only one I have ever done. When Nagalakshmi said this recipe for cook along in Kerala Kitchen I was eager to try it out and glad that I could make it. We have been using it with rice, breakfast till now and it goes very well with the spicy and very slight(barely noticeable) tangy taste. If you are planning to try this you might want to reduce spice if planning to feed kids. I used store bought coconut powder to prepare it and it tasted real good. The time required to make it was less as the coconut powder was dry. Go ahead and try this.

Coconut-2 cups(grated/dry grated powder)
Dry red chilies-10 nos(add more or less according to preference)
Ginger-2" piece(sliced)
Curry leaves-3 strands
Urad dal-2 tsp
Black pepper-1 tsp
Shallots-1/2 cup(sliced)
Asafoetida-1/2 tsp
Tamarind- Small piece
Salt- 2 tsp

Method of preparation:
1. Heat a pan on low heat and fry the coconut,dry chili,ginger,curry leaves, urad dal, black pepper,shallots till coconut turns brown.

2. When done turn off heat and add asafoetida, salt and tamarind and give a stir. Set aside to cool.
3. When cooled, grind this to fine/coarse powder and store in a airtight container.
4. Serve as side for rice,dosas,idlis.

Notes:
1. See that you don't burn the coconut powder instead of browning.
2. Add dry chili as needed for heat.

Kerala Naranga Achaar/ Lemon/Lime Pickle

Pickle is a condiment that is very popular in Indian food culture. Naranga achaar is a spicy tangy pickle.

 Lemon/Lime-20 nos
Water -Enough for steaming the lemons
Sesame Oil/Gingely Oil - 3 tbsp
Mustard Seed-1 tsp
Whole Dried Red Chili - 4 nos
Curry leaves-1 to 2 sprig
Salt as required
Garlic - 8 cloves
Green Chilies- 10 nos(cut to small rounds)
Turmeric Powder- 1/2 tsp
Red Chili Powder- 2 tbsp(add more if needed)
Fenugreek Powder- 1/4 tsp
Asafoetida Powder- 1/4 tsp
Vinegar- 1 tbsp

Method of Preparation :
1. Boil some water in a steamer and steam the lemons/limes for some time. Say 15 to 20 mins till it becomes soft. Remove and wipe the lemons dry. Let cool.
2. Cut the lemon into  halves/four/eight pieces. According to the size you need them.
3. Add salt to these lemon pieces, mix well and keep for 10 to 15 days in a clean dry airtight glass jar in room temperature. Shake the jar once everyday.
4. Slice the garlic pods lengthwise and set it aside.Wash,dry green chilies and then cut to small pieces.
5. Heat sesame oil in pan. Add the mustard seed, when  it starts spluttering, add the curry leaves and dry red chilies and saute for 30 second.
6. Add the garlic slices,green chilies into it and saute for few seconds. See that it doesn't turn brown.
7.Lower the flame. Add the red chili powder, asafoetida powder, fenugreek powder and saute for couple of  seconds then turn off the heat.
8. Allow the mix to cool down and then add the lemon slices,  mix well and adjust the salt.
9. Then add vinegar and combine well such that vinegar and pickle mixes well.
10. Transfer it in an airtight container and keep it in a room temperature for a week for the flavors to set and  then refrigerate it for further use.

Notes:
1. You can steam the lemons the previous night, wipe and keep for the water to dry. Same with the green chilies, wash and keep aside to dry.
2. You can cook the lemon till it is tender instead of steaming.
3. Adding green chilies is not compulsory. If making in large quantities adding green chilly may be a reason for reducing shelf life of pickle.
4. Add about 1/4 or less cup of water to make a gravy. Heat for some time and then turn off the heat.
5. Lower the flame while adding spices else you will burn them.
6. See the lemon/lime becomes just soft not mushy and break while steaming.
7. You ca use lemon,lime,combo of both for this pickle.