Nalla Kaaram

Introduction

Nalla Kaaram is a flavorful and spicy condiment that is a staple in many South Indian households. It is a type of dry chutney powder made with roasted spices, garlic, and curry leaves. This powder adds an extra kick to meals, making it a great accompaniment for rice, idli, and dosa. The preparation process is straightforward, yet the final product delivers a burst of flavor that can enhance even the simplest dishes. Let’s explore the ingredients and the step-by-step procedure to make this traditional and delicious recipe.

Quick Navigation:

• Ingredients
• Procedure
• Step 1: Fry the red chillies and curry leaves
• Step 2: Fry the urad dal and fenugreek seeds
• Step 3: Fry the coriander and cumin seeds
• Step 4: Blend the ingredients
• Step 5: Blend tamarind and garlic separately
• Step 6: Mix all ingredients together
• Conclusion

Ingredients

Red Chillies: 100 grams

Salt: 1 and 1/2 tablespoon

Coriander seeds (Dhaniyalu): 1/2 bowl or 25 grams

Urad dal: 2 tablespoons

Cumin seeds (Jeera): 1 tablespoon

Fenugreek (Menthulu): 1/2 tablespoon

Garlic: 2 large cloves

Tamarind (Chintapandu): 25 grams

Curry leaves: 1/2 bowl

Procedure

Step 1: Fry the red chillies and curry leaves

In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and fry the red chillies and curry leaves until they are crispy. Make sure to do this on a medium flame to avoid burning the ingredients.

Step 2: Fry the urad dal and fenugreek seeds

In the same pan, fry 2 tablespoons of urad dal and 1/2 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds (menthulu) until they turn golden brown. Set them aside to cool down.

Step 3: Fry the coriander and cumin seeds

Fry the coriander seeds (dhaniyalu) and cumin seeds (jeelakarra) until aromatic. This step is crucial to bringing out the flavor in the spices. Fry the tamarind and cumin seeds for just 1 minute as well.

Step 4: Blend the ingredients

Once everything has cooled down, blend the fried red chillies, curry leaves, urad dal, fenugreek seeds, and coriander seeds into a coarse powder.

Step 5: Blend tamarind and garlic separately

Blend the tamarind and garlic together until they form a smooth paste. This will add the tangy and garlicky flavor to the Nalla Kaaram.

Step 6: Mix all ingredients together

Finally, mix the tamarind and garlic paste with the blended spice powder. Add 1 & 1/2 tablespoons of salt and mix well. Your Nalla Kaaram is ready to be served. It can be enjoyed with rice, idli, or dosa along with a little bit of ghee for enhanced flavor.

Conclusion

Nalla Kaaram is an integral part of South Indian cuisine, offering a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s a simple yet versatile recipe that can elevate a variety of dishes. Whether you are serving it with hot steamed rice or alongside your breakfast staples like idli and dosa, Nalla Kaaram provides an authentic taste of traditional Andhra Pradesh cuisine. Make this spice mix in larger quantities and store it for future use, as it has a good shelf life. Enjoy the deliciousness!