Traditionally known as ‘Chintakaya Pachadi’, the green tamarind pickle is an age-old delicacy that is a staple in South Indian homes. Akin to the likes of ‘avakaya’, ‘amla pickle’ and others, the green tamarind pickle too is an absolute favorite amongst all people. Let us read a bit more about this treasured dish from South India.
For one, tamarind is one of the most widely used ingredient in South Indian cuisine. Tamarind is known for its distinctive flavor profile that ranges from sweet, sour, to a tangy tart flavor. It has a taste that is easily detectable in any dish it is a part of. The less ripe tamarind is, the sourer its taste. It ripens as it gets sweeter.
There is no other ingredient in the world that replaces the taste of tamarind and just a little bit goes a long, long way in flavoring a dish. Tamarind complements the Indian flavor profile in the most ideal way by seasoning, balancing and brightening the flavor of all its combination ingredients. In most preparations, it brings a sour quality to dishes. The right amount of tart brightens the dish to a great extent. Also, since tamarind is widely available, it is extremely cheap and value for money.
Speaking of availability, one can easily find huge trees of tamarind just about anywhere in Indian localities. The huge tamarind trees in Indian gardens are one that are not just fringed with an abundance of greenery but those that have also sprouted so many memories in kids and adults alike. At DesiAuthentic, we remember ourselves climbing the gigantic tree of tamarind in the backyard of our school. It takes us back to the days when we would run for the tree right at the ringing of our school bell. In an attempt to taste the sweet tamarind pulp, we would plan, fight, fall and more often than not, succeed. Alongside fierce competition to collect the most tamarind, we would avail ourselves in the beauty of unhindered friendship and love. Oh! Such were the days.
If you have gotten it by now, the tamarind pickle is just a medium to enjoy the taste of tamarind and rekindle the just as tart memories associated with it. Exactly, it is a perfect blend of tart and scintillating nostalgia.
The tamarind pickle at DesiAuthentic is made using freshly cut raw tamarind, green chilies, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, fenugreek and sunflower oil. All these ingredients are thoroughly sauted in hot oil before blending into a fine paste. Then, to top it off, a special tempering of mustard seeds, red chilies, asafoetida, urad dal and cumin is added. The dish is a combination of tangy, spicy, salty and sweet which tastes mouthwateringly heavenly on a bed of hot rice drenched in ghee. You can also have tamarind pickle with rotis and dosas.
Tamarind is also good for your health as it is full of polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They protect you from diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Tamarind is also known to lower blood sugar and also help lose body weight.
Only hand-picked ingredients go into the preparation of Green Tamarind Pickle at DesiAuthentic. Highly-quality ingredients that are locally sourced are a part of all of DesiAuthentic’s preparations. No preservatives or artificial colors added.
Purchase Green Tamarind Pickle here: https://www.desiauthentic.com/products/green-tamarind-pickle