Thursday, September 25, 2008

Gooseberry or Amla (Frozen) Pickle - Nellikai Oorugai

You get Frozen Amla Packets in the Indian stores. All you need to do is go get 2 packs of them and start to make this yummy pickle..
You will need
2 Frozen Amla Packets
Pickle chili powder (this is different from the red chili powder, since they use different kind of red chillies, if you don't have it, you can use red chili powder)
Hing
Oil
Red Chillies
Mustard Seeds
Method
--->Cut the Amla Packets and put the Amlas in a vessel and cover them with water.Let the water come to a boil and let it boil for a good 20 minutes., until all the water is gone and the Amlas are soft and able to mashed with a potato masher.
---> Mash them with a potato Masher and if you are a patient person, try and manually take out the seeds, with a dry hand. This is optional, if you don't mind the seeds continue on to the next step.
--->Once all the Amlas have been mashed, spread the mixture flat in the vessel and divide in 4 parts.
--->You will need chili powder as much as the 1/4th part of the Amla. and salt about 3/4th of the chili powder. Hing will be less than 1/4th of the salt.(This is all done in proportions)
--->Amla, 3/4th of Amla = chili powder3/4th of chili powder = salt1/4th of Salt=hing
--->Now add the chili powder and salt and hing.In a separate vessel heat up oil (enough to cover the Amlas) and add the mustard and red chillies and once the mustard sputters, pour it over the mixture and mix immediately.Make sure the Amla is completely soaked in oil.Once it cools, carefully store in a dry container and store in fridge.

This is called Nellikai Thokku, in tamil.
You could also make the Gooseberry in salt water brine with the frozen packets. I still havent experimented that, once i do i will post it.

This lasts up to a month if taken care of very well, Make sure you don't touch it with Wet hands or put a wet spoon in it. Always keep a small bowl and put some from the big jar to the small bowl to serve, that way you can make sure the pickle will get spoilt soon.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

nice recipe..you can send it for illatharasi/vanisri's gooseberry AFAM event!!

Lakshmi said...

Good one, I did the same pickle too but with fresh gooseberries. Nice one

Anonymous said...

Gooseberry is a very good source of vitamin C. I will try your recipe.

Vandana said...

Thanks Sowmya, I promptly sent it to the event. Thanks for letting me know about it.
Thanks Ig and Cilantro!
Vandana

Ramya's Mane Adige said...

yummy!!! I love this pickle... my mom used to make it a lot

Bhawana said...

my mom use to make one pickle like that. In winter's it is good to eat. very healthy.

Illatharasi said...

My mouth is watering.... Love it :)

www.cameramansiva.tv said...

hi i am siva thanks for u r nellikai oorugi tips

Vandana said...

Thanks everyone, for your wonderful comments.