Chuttaracha Chammanthi - Authentic Kerala Roasted Chillies & Coconut Chutney

Chuttaracha Chammanthi, also known as Chutta Mulaku Chammanthi literally means roasted (chutta) chillies (mulaku) chutney (chammanthi). It is an authentic kerala accompaniment to kanji (rice gruel) and is mostly seen as the common man's food. I especially love the flavour the roasted chillies give the chutney. And what's more, its oil free!

What I Used:

Grated Coconut - 1 cup
Dried red chillies - 4
Shallots - 4
Garlic - 2 cloves (optional)
Coriander powder - 1 tsp
Tamarind - half a lemon size
Salt - to taste

How I Made It:

1. Heat a non-stick pan and roast the red chillies dry (without oil) till it reaches the stage just before burning.

2. Add the coconut, chopped shallots, garlic and coriander powder and roast for another 2 mins. The coconut will start getting brittle. At this stage, remove from fire.

3. Grind this mixture in very little water with salt and tamarind.

Enjoy!

This is my first entry to RCI - Kerala Cuisine hosted by Jyothsna of Curry Bazaar. I say first, because I have so many Kerala recipes in my drafts that need to see the light of day and what better time than this.