Hinga Chutney (Asafoetida Chutney)

Hinga Chutney is very famous in south Indian households and it goes very well with Idli and Dosa. It is one of the many chutneys that is delicious and unique in taste. I make it when I get bored of cilantro and ginger chutneys :)

Hing (asafoetida) is one of the essential herbs that should have a permanent spot in your pantry. There are lots of health benefits associated with it (see below). It imparts nice finishing touch to the curries and dishes. Most of the times we use it as an important ingredient in tempering/tadka in our cooking. As I am growing old and wise :) I am definitely appreciating and enjoying the root taste (swad) and flavors of our food, especially few things that I must had not liked in my childhood.

Try it and see if you like it :)

Here is the recipe:

HINGA CHUTNEY WITH IDLI

Ingredients:

• 3/4th cup grated coconut
• 4-5 dry red chillies 
• walnut sized tamarind ball
• 1/2 (or 3/4th) tsp asafoetida soaked in water (or a small piece of whole hing soaked in little water)
• 1/4th cup water (or more)
• salt as per taste

for Tempering

• 2 tsp coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 6 curry leaves
• pinch of hing (asafoetida)

Preparation:

• Roast red dry chillies in 1/2 tsp oil. Grind it in a mixer with grated coconut and tamarind. 
• When you are almost done with the grinding add the asafoetida with water. Add water little by little and make a fine chutney as you grind.
• Empty the mixer contents in a bowl. Add salt and mix. 
• Now make a tempering by heating oil, add mustard seeds and wait till it splutters then add curry leaves, stir quickly. Pour this tempering over the chutney. Make it of thin consistency when you are having it with Idli. It tastes real yum!

njoY!! happY cookinG!!

Health Benefits: Hing has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties which alleviate upset stomach, intestinal gas, intestinal worms, flatulence and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It acts as an expectorant and helps to release phlegm and relieve chest congestion naturally. To get rid of the dry cough consume a mixture of hing, honey and ginger. Helps to lower blood sugar and also and also cure migraines and headaches. A magical herb indeed!