NELLIKKA CHAMMANTHI - GOOSEBERRY/AMLA CHUTNEY

Amla/Amalaki/Nellikkai: The Nutritional Powerhouse of Indian Gooseberries

    Indian Gooseberries, known as Amla, Amalaki, Nellikkai, or Nellikka in various Indian languages, have been deeply rooted in Indian culture for centuries. Revered for their remarkable nutritional and therapeutic properties, these tiny fruits are celebrated in Ayurveda for their ability to heal and rejuvenate.

Rich in Nutrients & Health Benefits

    Amla is packed with Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, and Chromium, making it a nutritional gem. It's no wonder Ayurvedic scriptures have long praised its antioxidant and antiseptic properties. The fruit's role in boosting immunity, improving digestion, and fighting infections makes it a natural choice for holistic health.

Top 5 Health Benefits of Indian Gooseberries

• Boosts Immunity and Fights Infections: The high concentration of Vitamin C in Indian Gooseberries acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the body against harmful free radicals and promoting overall health.
• Improves Digestive Health: Rich in dietary fibre, Indian Gooseberries/Amla aids digestion, relieves constipation, and helps regulate blood glucose levels, making it an excellent addition to the diet of diabetic patients.
• Heart Health & Cholesterol Regulation: Indian Gooseberries/Nellikka has been shown to increase good cholesterol (HDL) while lowering bad cholesterol levels, contributing to better heart health.
• Supports Bone & Dental Health: The calcium content in Indian Gooseberries strengthens bones and teeth, while its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce symptoms of arthritis.
• Cancer-Fighting Properties: With a rich content of flavonoids, polyphenols, and other antioxidants, Indian Gooseberry is believed to help prevent various types of cancer and protect against DNA damage.

The Power of Gooseberries in Ayurveda

    Amla’s history in Ayurveda is vast, with ancient texts detailing its benefits in detoxification, improving liver function, and even aiding in weight loss. Its antiviral and antibacterial properties make it a potent natural remedy against infections.

Why Gooseberry is a Must for Diabetics

    Gooseberry has a significant role in regulating blood sugar levels, making it a superfood for diabetics. With its ability to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood glucose, it helps diabetics maintain a healthy balance.

GOOSEBERRIES/NELLIKKAI/AMLA

Nellikka Chammanthi (Gooseberry Chutney): A Tangy, Spicy Delight

Gooseberries—or, as we call them, Nellikka—have always held a special place in my heart and my childhood. Slightly sour, bitter, and sweet, these little powerhouses of nutrients were a regular feature at home. My dad used to say, “The first bite of a gooseberry is sour, but as you swallow, it turns sweet.” And oh, how true that was!

Whenever my mum brought fresh gooseberries home, my brother and I would grab a few and dive right into them, dipping them in a mix of salt and red chilli powder. And let me tell you, the fun part was drinking water right after—it made the sweet taste even more overwhelming!

Discover more ways to enjoy Gooseberries from this Recipe Collection!

Nellikka Chammanthi: A Simple, Nutritious Addition to Your Diet

    Nellikka Chammanthi, or Gooseberry Chutney, is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to sneak this wonder fruit into your daily meals. Every household has its own version of Chammanthi. Some add shallots, while others blend it with green chillies or dry red chillies. But no matter the variation, the core ingredients remain the same: fresh gooseberries, coconut, green chillies, ginger, and curry leaves.

The Traditional Ammi Kallu Grind: A Taste Like No Other

    In the old days, my family would use an Ammi Kallu (grinding stone) to prepare Chammanthi. This traditional method of grinding brings out the natural oils from the ingredients, making the chutney more flavorful. Plus, you can make it without adding any water, which is key for that perfect thick consistency—we call it Katta Chammanthi!

Quick and Easy Comfort Food: Rice and Nellikka Chammanthi

    After a long, tiring day, sometimes all you need is a quick meal that warms the soul. And Nellikka Chammanthi with steaming rice or Kanji (rice porridge) is exactly that. The spicy-tangy flavour of the chutney combined with soft rice is truly a match made in heaven. Trust me, it’s the perfect comfort food when you’re too lazy to cook a big meal but still crave something delicious.

    The subtle bitterness, balanced with a hint of sweetness and tang, combined with the fiery kick of this Nellikka Chammanthi, will have you reaching for more rice. "Oru urula choru extra..." (Just one more ball of rice, please!) On those days when you’re utterly exhausted or too lazy to cook, simply serve this spicy-tangy chutney with hot, steaming rice or kanji (rice porridge). It’s a deliciously comforting duo that feels like heaven on a plate.

Recipe Details – Nellikka Chammanthi/Gooseberry Chutney

• Cuisine: Kerala (India)
• Course: Side Dish
• Recipe Type: Condiment
• Difficulty: Easy
• Spice Level: Medium
• Serves: 2–3
• Author: SM

Total Time:

• Preparation Time: 5–10 Minutes

NELLIKKA CHAMMANTHI - GOOSEBERRY/AMLA CHUTNEY

How to Make Nellikka Chammanthi (Gooseberry/Amla Chutney)

    Nellikka Chammanthi or Gooseberry Chutney is a classic South Indian side dish that’s tangy, spicy, and packed with the nutritional goodness of gooseberries. This easy-to-make condiment pairs perfectly with steamed rice, Kerala Matta rice, or kanji (rice porridge).

Ingredients for Nellikka Chammanthi (Gooseberry/Amla Chutney)

• Gooseberries – 1/2 Cup
• Grated Coconut – 1/2 Cup
• Green Chillies – 3–4 (adjust for spiciness)
• Ginger – a small piece
• Curry Leaves – 1 sprig
• Salt – to taste

*Pro Tip: For a fiery twist, try using Kanthari Mulagu (Bird’s Eye Chillies) in place of regular green chillies!

Method: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Nellikka Chammanthi

• Prep the Gooseberries: Wash the gooseberries thoroughly, cut them into small pieces, and discard the seeds.
• Grate the Coconut: Freshly grated coconut is key for an authentic flavour.
• Grind the Ingredients: Mix the gooseberries, coconut, green chillies, ginger, curry leaves, and salt. Grind without adding water.
• Shape the Chammanthi: Once well ground, shape the mixture into a ball if desired. This thick chutney pairs excellently with rice dishes.
• Serve: Nellikka Chammanthi is best served fresh with steamed rice, Kerala Matta rice, or kanji (rice porridge).

  
  

  Explore more delicious Kerala-Style Chammanthi Recipes by clicking here!

  
  

NELLIKKA CHAMMANTHI - GOOSEBERRY/AMLA CHUTNEY

Notes:

• Adjust Sourness: Feel free to vary the number of gooseberries based on how tangy you like your chutney.
• Grinding Tip: You can shape the chutney into a ball if it’s ground without water. If necessary, add a small sprinkle of water to help grind.
• Customise to Taste: Add or omit ingredients like curry leaves, ginger, or shallots depending on your preference.
• Chillies Choice: This chutney works well with both green chillies and dry red chillies. For a traditional twist, try using Kanthari Mulagu (Bird’s Eye Chillies).

PRESERVED GOOSEBERRIES

Preserved Gooseberries Option: No fresh gooseberries? You can use gooseberries preserved in brine to make this chutney.  For a detailed recipe on How to Preserve Gooseberries in brine, Click here!

    Gooseberries are a powerhouse of nutrition, loaded with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibre. They’re known for improving digestion, boosting immunity, and helping regulate blood sugar levels. Incorporating this chutney into your diet is a delicious way to benefit from these nutrients.

    Nellikka Chammanthi is a simple, nutrient-rich condiment that adds a burst of flavour to your meals. Whether you’re pairing it with rice or kanji, this chutney is a delightful way to enjoy the goodness of gooseberries every day and make your next meal even more exciting!