Lemon rice packs really well and when it’s placed in warmed banana leaves with this ellu chutney on the side, that’s pure deliciousness right there. Ellu or black sesame contains healthy omega 3 fatty acids and also fibre that helps in digestion. The nutty aroma when it’s roasted is perfect when combined with raw coconut. A few things to remember when preparing to make this ellu chutney at home
Use black sesame or black ellu for the chutneyFresh coconut works best but frozen coconut works just fine tooIf you would like ellu chutney without coconut, it’s definitely possible too. Omit the coconut in the recipe below and half all other ingredientsRoasting the ellu or sesame is an important step. Since the seeds are black, it’s hard to tell when it’s done. Look out for a nutty aroma and to be doubly sure, rub a few seeds between your palms to see if the inner white seed has turned a light brown (see picture below)Since we want the flavour of ellu to dominate, no curry leaves, coriander leaves or other spices are used in this recipe. Keep it simple!The proportion of ellu to coconut can be altered. Keep ellu on the higher side, again, for the true flavour of the sesame to come throughEllu chutney tastes best with rice more than dosa or idli
You may also like this ellu sadam recipe (sesame rice). Ok, now on to the ellu chutney recipe.
Step by Step Ellu Chutney Recipe
Dry roast 1/4 cup sesame seeds in a pan for 3-4 minutes in medium heat, stirring frequently. Add 2-4 red chillies (adjust per your spice tolerance and preference) and continue roasting Do not worry if the sesame seeds start spluttering. They are still not done and need to be roasted until the insides turn light golden brown. When the sesame seeds are done, turn off heat and add 2 heaping tablespoons of grated coconut, 2-3 flakes of crushed garlic, and a marble-sized ball of tamarind to the pan. Add salt too. Mix everything well and let it sit in the remaining heat of the pan. Cool completely. Grind with minimal water to a coarse texture. Remember that ellu chutney is not meant to be very smooth. Serve with rice! Enjoy 🙂
