Anshu's Food Odyssey

Coconut Chutney , also known as 'Thengai Chutney'  is one of the most quintessential parts of the South Indian cuisine . Creamy, luscious and flavorful, it makes for a delightful accompaniment to Idlis, Vadas, Dosas or even Curd Rice and Lemon Rice . While most of the time, I make this chutney plain and simple, there are also times when I try to give it a special touch by adding a little chana dal to it. Trust me, this simple variation in the chutney not only adds a great texture but also lends it a beautiful flavor. And it wont be an exaggeration if I say that often this chutney vanishes off our table much faster than the main dish like idli or dosa; having experienced this situation twice in the past, now I generally try to make this coconut chutney in a big batch so that it stays for at-least a day or two and we can enjoy it to our heart's content. A little tip for my vegan friends; I normally add a little curd/yogurt to my coconut chutney but being vegans, y...

South Indian cuisine is simply incomplete without the coconut chutney on the side. A creamy texture with a hint of natural sweetness and a little sharpness from green chilies, makes it an absolute delight that pairs up so well with dishes like idli, dosa, uttapam, vada or even upma . Personally I love having this chutney with SOUTH INDIAN LEMON RICE and APPE . Having said that, eating the same style chutney every time can make it a little boring and therefore, adding a small variation always helps getting away from that run-of-the-mill routine. I often give this simple chutney a little twist by occasionally adding chana dal or roasted peanuts (whichever of them is readily available at that point of time). Not only these minor additions lend the chutney with some great flavors but also improve its texture to a great extent. However, just in case, I have nothing available in my pantry to add to it, I simply pluck a few curry leaves in my garden and churn it with the coconut in the...