Ginger Chutney (Allam Bellam) for Idli and Dosa

Ginger Chutney, also known as Allam Bellam, is a popular Andhra-style condiment renowned for its unique blend of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors. Made with fresh ginger, tamarind, and jaggery, this chutney adds a delightful kick to traditional South Indian dishes like idli and dosa. Its versatile taste and health benefits make it a must-have accompaniment in any South Indian meal.
  • Allam Pachadi (అల్లం పచ్చడి) or Allam Bellam (అల్లం బెల్లం) in Telugu-speaking regions.
  • Adrak ki Chutney (अदरक की चटनी) in Hindi-speaking regions.
  • Inji Thuvaiyal (இஞ்சி துவையல்) in Tamil Nadu.
  • Shunti Chutney (ಶುಂಠಿ ಚಟ್ನಿ) in Karnataka.

CategoryDifficultyBeginner

Yields2 Servings
Prep Time5 minsCook Time10 minsTotal Time15 mins

Ingredients for Ginger Chutney

 1.50 tbsp Oil (तेल)
 2 tbsp Bengal Gram Split/Chana Dal (चना दाल)
 1 tbsp Split Black Gram/Urad Dal (उड़द दाल)
 3 Dry Red Chillies (सूखी लाल मिर्च)
 1 Large Onion (प्याज)
 1.5 Inch Ginger (अदरक), Chopped
 ½ tsp Cumin Seeds (जीरा)
 1 tbsp Jaggery (गुड़)
 1 tbsp Tamarind Extract (इमली का अर्क)
 Salt (नमक), To taste

Instructions for Ginger Chutney

1

Heat oil in a pan. Add chana dal and urad dal, and sauté on low flame until golden brown.

2

Add dry red chilies to the pan and cook for a minute. Set them aside.

3

In the same pan, add diced onions with some oil. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.

4

Add ginger to the pan and cook the onions until they turn translucent.

5

Add cumin seeds and sauté for a minute. Set this mixture aside to cool.

6

Blend the roasted dal, chillies, onions, ginger, cumin, tamarind extract, salt, and jaggery into a fine paste

7

In a separate pan, heat oil and temper with mustard seeds, curry leaves, red chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida.

8

Pour the tempering over the blended chutney mixture. Your ginger chutney is now ready to serve.

Ginger Chutney

Ingredients

 1.50 tbsp Oil (तेल)
 2 tbsp Bengal Gram Split/Chana Dal (चना दाल)
 1 tbsp Split Black Gram/Urad Dal (उड़द दाल)
 3 Dry Red Chillies (सूखी लाल मिर्च)
 1 Large Onion (प्याज)
 1.5 Inch Ginger (अदरक), Chopped
 ½ tsp Cumin Seeds (जीरा)
 1 tbsp Jaggery (गुड़)
 1 tbsp Tamarind Extract (इमली का अर्क)
 Salt (नमक), To taste

Directions

1

Heat oil in a pan. Add chana dal and urad dal, and sauté on low flame until golden brown.

2

Add dry red chilies to the pan and cook for a minute. Set them aside.

3

In the same pan, add diced onions with some oil. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.

4

Add ginger to the pan and cook the onions until they turn translucent.

5

Add cumin seeds and sauté for a minute. Set this mixture aside to cool.

6

Blend the roasted dal, chillies, onions, ginger, cumin, tamarind extract, salt, and jaggery into a fine paste

7

In a separate pan, heat oil and temper with mustard seeds, curry leaves, red chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida.

8

Pour the tempering over the blended chutney mixture. Your ginger chutney is now ready to serve.

Notes

Ginger Chutney
  • Oil (Vegetable Oil): Used for sautéing and cooking.
  • Bengal Gram Split (Chana Dal): Adds texture and nuttiness.
  • Split Black Gram (Urad Dal): Provides texture and flavor.
  • Dry Red Chilies: Adds spiciness and color.
  • Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when caramelized.
  • Ginger: Adds a strong, spicy flavor.
  • Cumin Seeds: Adds earthy and warm notes.
  • Jaggery: Provides a hint of sweetness to balance flavors.
  • Tamarind Extract: Adds tanginess and depth of flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste.

Ginger Chutney pairs wonderfully with traditional South Indian breakfast dishes like idli and dosa. Its tangy and spicy flavors complement the mildness of idli and the crispy texture of dosa.

  • Roast Chana Dal and Urad Dal: Roast the chana dal and urad dal until golden brown before adding other ingredients. This enhances their flavors and adds texture to the chutney.
  • Adjust Spice Level: Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of dry red chilies according to your preference. Start with fewer chilies for a milder chutney or add more for extra heat.
  • Caramelize Onions and Ginger: Saute the onions and ginger until they turn golden brown. This caramelization brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the overall flavor of the chutney.
  • Blend to Smooth Consistency: Blend the roasted dal, chilies, onions, ginger, cumin seeds, jaggery, tamarind extract, salt, and oil into a smooth paste. This ensures a consistent texture and enhances flavor integration.
  • Temper with Mustard Seeds and Curry Leaves: Heat oil and temper with mustard seeds and curry leaves until they splutter. This tempering step adds a final burst of flavor and aroma to the chutney.
  • Balance Flavors: Taste the chutney and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, jaggery, or tamarind extract to achieve a well-balanced flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
  • Serve Fresh: Ginger Chutney is best served fresh or at room temperature. Allow it to sit for a few minutes after preparation to let the flavors meld together before serving.

Store the Ginger Chutney in the refrigerator. It can typically stay fresh for about 1-2 days when stored properly.

Q. Is ginger chutney good for health?
A: Ginger chutney can be beneficial for health due to the presence of ginger, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It aids digestion, helps relieve nausea, and boosts immunity. However, moderation is key due to the other ingredients like oil and salt used in preparation.

Q. Is ginger chutney and allam pachadi the same?
A: Yes, Ginger Chutney and Allam Pachadi refer to the same condiment in South Indian cuisine.

Q. What is the benefit of Allam Pachadi?
A: Allam Pachadi, or Ginger Chutney, is valued for its digestive properties and its ability to enhance the flavor of meals. It contains ginger, which is known to aid digestion, alleviate cold symptoms, and provide a unique spicy-sweet flavor to dishes.

Q. What are the different names for ginger chutney in India?
A: Ginger chutney is known by various names across India, including Allam Pachadi or Allam Bellam in Telugu-speaking regions, Adrak ki Chutney in Hindi-speaking regions, Inji Thuvaiyal in Tamil Nadu, and Shunti Chutney in Karnataka.

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