GOOSEBERRY PICKLE/ NELLIKAI OORGAI

Though i have posted some pickles from my MIL’s hand , I feel this post is somewhat special as i made it on my own using less oil for first time.The result was completely satisfactory.Click here to see another healthy , quick side dish  for rice using gooseberry if u r interested..

INGREDIENTS :

• Big Gooseberry -12 nos
• Red chilly - 8- 10 nos (long variety , adjust based on ur spice level  )
• Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
• Asafetida / hing – 1/2 tsp

To dry roast :

• Methi seeds – 1 tsp

To temper :

• Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
• Urad dal – 1 tsp
• Cooking oil – 1 tbsp

Sesame oil – 1 tbsp

METHOD :

• Dry roast methi seeds in a kadai till it turns brown with a nice aroma.Powder it along with asafetida and turmeric powder.Set aside.
• Grind the red chillies to a coarse powder. Keep aside.
• In a pressure cooker or in an idly pot ,steam cook the whole big gooseberries without adding water.After it cools down ,cut the gooseberry into bite sized pieces .( It will come off easily when u press it with ur fingers.)
• Then  in a wide mouthed kadai add a tbsp of oil and temper the items given above.Add the gooseberry pieces and red chilly powder.
• Mix well for few minutes till raw smell disappears.Add the salt and toss well.
• After sometime , add the ground methi seeds mixture and mix well .
• Make sure everything gets combined well.
• Keep in medium flame for 2-3 minutes .Finally add the sesame oil , mix well.
• Switch off the flame. Let the pickle cool down .
• Transfer it to an air tight container.
• Tastes best the next day !!

Enjoy with curd rice !!

KITCHEN CLINIC :

GOOSEBERRY : Indian gooseberry, due to its high vitamin C content, is effective in controlling diabetes. It will also prevent eye complications in diabetics. It is useful in the treatment of respiratory disorders. It is especially effective in tuberculosis of the lungs, asthma and bronchitis. As an extremely rich source of vitamin C, it is a very effective remedy for scurvy. The juice of Indian gooseberry with honey is beneficial in presenting eye sight. It is a valuable remedy for enriching hair growth and pigmentation. The fruit, cut into pieces, is dried, preferably in the shade. These pieces are boiled in coconut oil till the solid matter becomes charred. This darkish oil is excellent in preventing graying. The water in which dried amla pieces are soaked overnight is also nourishing to hair and can be used for the last rinse while washing the hair. The dried fruit of Indian gooseberry is useful in diarrhea and dysentery. Most important is it has revitalizing effects, as it contains an element which is very effective in preventing ageing and in maintaining strength in old age. It improves body resistance and protects the body against infection. It strengthens the heart, hair and different glands in the body.