Chammanthi Podi | Kerala Roasted Coconut Chutney Powder

Hey Folks,

Chammanthi Podi is a traditional Kerala Style recipe. I don't think other than Malayali no one would be so familiar with this recipe. Chammanthi Podi has a special fan base in Kerala. Chammanthi Podi is a preserved chutney in powder form. It is usually a gift item that is gifted to your cousins or friends in Kerala. People do large-scale production business of Chammanthi Podi here in my hometown. It is an item with such huge demand in Kerala. People who live abroad crave this podi. It is a combination of coconut, tamarind, red chilli, and salt. All these flavors attack back to back in your taste buds. The correct proportion of these flavors is very important for Chammanthi podi. Everything should be on the note for that perfect hit. 

This a very health dish, we are not even using a single drop of oil for the making. 

Chammanthi Podi- The Perfect Cook Book

INGREDIENTS:

1. Roughly Grated Coconut - 2 cups
2. Dried Red Chilli - 8 - 10
3. Rock Salt - to taste
4. Tamarind (Vaalan Puli) - a lemon sized

PREPARATION:

Dry roast the grated coconut along with dried red chilli in a pan. Tear the dried chilli into small pieces. Dry roast continuously until it is golden brown. Don't burn it. Once it attains the brown color, transfer it to another plate and let it cool completely. Always use fresh coconut, and keep in mind that everything is evenly roasted. Perfect roasting is very important for chammanthi podi. You can also add curry leaves to this, but I am not using them today.

Now in a mixer, or hand mixer grind the rock salt and vaalan puli. Pulse it and then add roasted coconut and dried red chilli. If you have multiple batches, do the same step of adding salt and vaalan puli to go first followed by the roasted mixture. Always be cautious with the salt and puli. Don't grind it too much, it will become like a paste. It should be in powder form. It is best to have with rice or kanji. You can easily have a plate of rice with this chammanthi podi, it is so yummy! Usually, you should use it the next day, so that all the flavors are well setteled. But half of the bottle will be empty, just after making it ;).

This recipe of chammanthi podi is from my grandmother. This a very simple one with just 4 ingredients. There are other varieties in different parts of the state. You should check out that too! If you find my recipe interesting share it with your loved ones.

Store in an air-tight jar and it will be good for a month. Refrigerate after a month. If you are new to cooking try this one and place this jar of Chammanthi Podi along with Achar on the dining table and tell your loved ones to try it. I bet you they will fall in love with this for sure. 

See you all in my next cooking blog!