NELLIKAI SAARU

 NELLIKAI SAARU

In these Covid 19 days, vegetables and fruits that are useful to build our immunity are in much demand- far more than before, perhaps. This article in Gigadocs lists super foods that can help build immunity to fight Covid 19. 

One such is Gooseberry which has many health benefits. In my house we have been using gooseberries since we were kids so this is nothing new for us.

Gooseberries are called Nellikai or Nellikayi in Kannada, Amla in Hindi, and Avalo in my mother tongue, Konkani. 

Naturally, elsewhere in this blog, you will find recipes for dishes made with health-filled gooseberries, such as:-

• Spicy Amla Chutney
• Nellikai Thayir Pachadi
• Nellikayi Thokku
• Nellikayi Chitranna

Today's recipe is again from my Home State of Karnataka and is called Nelliaki Saaru. As you know, saaru is a rasa-like accompaniment for hot steamed rice served for lunch or dinner. I have adapted this from the YouTube video for  "Nellikai Saaru" by Veg Recipes of Karnataka. 

We loved this aromatic and tasty Saar and think you will like it too! 

Ingredients:-

• Nellikai (Amla/ Gooseberries), large-sized, 3
• Fresh Coconut Gratings, 1/4 cup
• Toor Dal, (Slit Pigeon Peas),  2 tsp
• Urad Dal,(Black Gram Dal),  1 tsp
• Coriander Seeds, 2 tsp
• Cumin Seeds, 1/2 tsp
• Black Pepper, a few.  5
• Methi Seeds, 1/8 tsp
• Mustard Seeds, 1/8 tsp
• Green Chillies, 4, or to taste
• Curry Leaves, 5-6
• Turmeric Powder, 1/4 tsp
• Salt, to taste
• Coriander Leaves, finely chopped, 1 tbsp
• Oil, 1 tsp

For Seasoning :-

• Mustard Seeds, 1/2 tsp
• Broken Red Chilli, 1
• Asafoetida, a big pinch
• Curry Leaves, a few
• Oil, 2 tsp 

Method:-

Wash the nellikai (gooseberries) thoroughly and chop them, discarding the seeds

Heat 1 tsp of oil in a kadhai and on medium heat roast the toor dal, urad dal, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black pepper, methi seeds, and mustard seeds. Roast this till the dals change colour and the spices give off a good aroma. 

Transfer these roasted ingredients to a small mixer jar

To this add the chopped gooseberries and fresh coconut gratings, salt and turmeric powder

Grind this to a smooth paste adding water as required

Transfer this paste to a kadhai and add 2 cups of water. Mix well

Bring this to a boil and then let it simmer for a few minutes

Heat 2 tsp of oil in a seasoning pan and on medium heat add the mustard seeds

When they splutter add the broken red chilli, asafoetida ( hing) and a few curry leaves

Saute for a few seconds

Pour this seasoning onto the Nellikai Saaru 

Switch off the gas and add finely chopped coriander leaves

Transfer to serving bowl

Serve the Nellikai Saaru with hot steamed rice