You will find many websites touting the health benefits of flax seed, the tiny, shiny seeds of the plant that gives us linen, but this post is a recipe for an Indian condiment called Chutney Powder (Chutney Pudi or Podi in the various South Indian languages, pudi/podi meaning powder).
Chutney Powder is served with a variety of Indian dishes such as Idlis (rice/lentil cakes), Dosa (rice/lentil crepes), and the various rotis. It can also be eaten with rice and ghee or with bread toast and butter. As the name suggests chutney powder is the dry version of a chutney.
The flax seed I used in this recipe are the golden ones, unroasted. Light brown, dark brown and roasted varieties are also available. They might have need to be cleaned of stray stones and dried stalks. Flax seeds have a limited shelf life, so it's best to buy small quantities and store leftovers in the fridge. You can tell they've gone rancid if they have a strong smell, and trust me on this, it stinks and doesn't make you feel good either if you eat anything made of it. Good flax seeds have a mild nutty aroma.
Chutney Powder is served with a variety of Indian dishes such as Idlis (rice/lentil cakes), Dosa (rice/lentil crepes), and the various rotis. It can also be eaten with rice and ghee or with bread toast and butter. As the name suggests chutney powder is the dry version of a chutney.
The flax seed I used in this recipe are the golden ones, unroasted. Light brown, dark brown and roasted varieties are also available. They might have need to be cleaned of stray stones and dried stalks. Flax seeds have a limited shelf life, so it's best to buy small quantities and store leftovers in the fridge. You can tell they've gone rancid if they have a strong smell, and trust me on this, it stinks and doesn't make you feel good either if you eat anything made of it. Good flax seeds have a mild nutty aroma.
Flax Seed Chutney Powder
Original Recipe by Kalindi Jagirdar Bagal
Original Recipe by Kalindi Jagirdar Bagal
Use the pulse function and grind
the ingredients in short bursts, taking time to move around the ingredients
with a spoon so they are well blended and don't get too oily or pasty. The powder should be slightly coarse, not smooth.
Ingredients:
½ cup flax seeds, cleaned
1½ tsp chili powder
1 tbsp tamarind, cleaned and deseeded
½ tbsp jaggery (if you have a sweet tooth, use more according to taste)
Salt
to taste (about 1 tsp)
Method:
Grind
together all the ingredients coarsely in a grinder. Pour into a plate and let cool. Store in an airtight jar.
