Nellikai Thokku| Amla thokku | Gooseberry pickle recipe
Nellikai Thokku, or Gooseberry Pickle, is a wonderfully flavorful South Indian-style pickle that combines the perfect balance of spiciness, tanginess, and a hint of sweetness. Made with the nutrient-rich Indian Gooseberry (Amla or Nellikai), this pickle is not only delicious but also packs a punch when it comes to health benefits. Amla is known for being an excellent source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, and its impressive range of health benefits includes boosting immunity, treating throat infections, improving heart health by lowering cholesterol, and even promoting healthy skin and eyes. This tangy pickle is also a great choice for anyone looking to manage blood sugar, prevent arthritis, and aid in weight loss.
This recipe is incredibly simple and can be prepared in no time. The amla (gooseberries) are cooked in a pressure cooker, though you can also steam them for about 10-15 minutes. The key to making this pickle perfect is sautéing it well in medium heat until all the moisture evaporates, leaving behind a concentrated and flavorful thokku. Once prepared, this pickle can be stored for up to a week, making it an ideal accompaniment to your meals, from rice to roti.
Tips to make perfect Nellikai Thokku:
1. Cook the amla thoroughly: Whether you pressure cook or steam, ensure that the gooseberries are well cooked. The texture should soften, making it easier to blend with the spices.
2. Sauté the thokku well: The key to a rich, flavorful thokku is to sauté it on medium flame until all the moisture is evaporated. This step helps intensify the flavors.
3. Use the right spices: Adjust the amount of red chili powder, jaggery, and tamarind to suit your taste, keeping in mind the natural sourness of the gooseberries.
4. Store in a clean, airtight container: To prolong the shelf life of your Nellikai Thokku, store it in a sterilized jar and keep it in a cool, dry place.
Nellikai Thokku is not just a pickle, it’s a power-packed nutritional treat with a spicy-sweet zing that will elevate any dish. This versatile thokku can be served with rice, roti, dosa, or even as a dip for snacks, making it a must-have in every kitchen!
Ingredients
Nellikai/ Gooseberry/ amla-10 nosRed chilli powder-3-4 tsps
Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
Gingelly oil-2-3 Tbsps
Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp
Fenugreek powder-1/4 tsp
Jaggery-1-2 tsps
Asafoetida a pinch
Recipe Video
Method
1.Wash the gooseberries well.2.In a pressure cooker add the gooseberries and required water just enough to cover them.
3.Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles.
4.Drain the water and set the amla aside.
5.Allow them to cool then remove the seeds.
6.Put the gooseberries in a mixie jar and grind to coarse paste without adding any water.
7.Now in a kadai heat gingelly oil add mustard seeds and allow it to splutter.
8.Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, asafoetida and saute for few seconds.
9.Add the ground gooseberry paste mix well,add little water.
10.Add required salt, jaggery and fenugreek powder mix everything well.
11.Keep in a medium flame saute the nellikai thokku for 5 mins until the oil oozes on top and colour changes .
12.Remove from gas and allow the amla thokku to cool down completely.
13.Use a clean dry bottle or container to store the nellikai thokku.
14.Use a clean dry spoon.
Preparation time-20 mins