Chuttaracha Chammanthi - Authentic Kerala Roasted Chillies & Coconut Chutney

Chuttaracha Chammanthi, also known as Chutta Mulaku Chammanthi literally means roasted (chutta) chillies (mulaku) chutney (chammanthi). It is an authentic kerala accompaniment to kanji (rice gruel) and is mostly seen as the common man's food. I especially love the flavour the roasted chillies give the chutney. And what's more, its oil free!

Kerala-Style Chammathi Recipe

Ingredients:
Grated Coconut - 1 cup
Dried red chillies - 4
Shallots - 4
Garlic - 2 cloves (optional)
Coriander powder - 1 tsp
Tamarind - half a lemon size
Salt - to taste

How to Make Chuttaracha Chammanthi

1. Heat a non-stick pan and roast the red chillies dry (without oil) till it reaches the stage just before burning.

2. Add the coconut, chopped shallots, garlic and coriander powder and roast for another 2 mins. The coconut will start getting brittle. At this stage, remove from fire.

3. Grind this mixture in very little water with salt and tamarind.

Enjoy!

Note:
You can also roast the coconut pieces on an open flame with tongs for a more authentic burnt coconut flavour and smell in the chutney. Traditionally this is done on coal fire that's used for cooking but our gas flame would work as a good substitute. The coconut pieces should become charred and practically burnt in some areas for the flavour to come through fully. The best chuttaracha chammanthi is made my this family friend of ours whose mom loves it. I have never been able to replicate that taste and flavour in my chutney, ever.

Comments

Namratha

January 03, 2008 at 5:10 pm

Sounds flavourful!!

Sig

January 03, 2008 at 4:15 pm

LOVE this chammanthi... Had forgotten all about it! I can't wait for the round up of RCI Kerala... hope there are more traditional, but relatively unknown dishes like this in the round up.

Laavanya

January 03, 2008 at 2:56 pm

Wow this looks extremely good and the ingredient list is enough to make my mouth water.

Asha

January 03, 2008 at 2:08 pm

Great recipe, looks delicious and authentic. I am making this too in a different way acc. to my Kerala cookbook!:))

Jeena

January 03, 2008 at 2:02 pm

Sounds wonderful Nags and with no oil too! I have never tried this dish before i bet it tastes amazing. 🙂

Rajitha

January 03, 2008 at 1:30 pm

yumm..love it..easy to make too 🙂

vegeyum

January 03, 2008 at 12:24 pm

wow it looks so great

Srivalli

January 03, 2008 at 11:38 am

Nice recipe Nags...looking forward to see other kerala recipes!

Padmaja

January 03, 2008 at 11:50 am

Hey Nags
I love this chutney, we usually have with hot rice and ghee. Its just heavenly you know!!
Your picture looks so hot!!

RAKS KITCHEN

January 03, 2008 at 10:12 am

Wow I love this thugayal Nags:) Forget for longtime..Happy new year to you!

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