Walnuts are rich source of energy and contain health benefiting nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. They are also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and an excellent source of all important omega-3 essential fatty acids .Regular intake of walnuts in the diet helps to lower total as well as LDL or “bad cholesterol” and increases HDL or “good cholesterol” levels in the blood. Simple and yummy chutney prepared with walnuts, which goes well with idly and dosai.

Ingredients:

Serves 4 to 5 people

• 1/2 cup - Walnuts
• 4 tbsp - Coconut grated
• 1 or 2 nos - Dry red chillies (or add as needed)
• 2 tbsp - Whole black gram without skin / whole urad dhal
• 2 clove - Garlic
• 1/4 inch - Ginger
• 1 no - Tamarind (blueberry size)
• 1 stalk - Fresh curry leaves
• Salt as needed
• Oil for sautéing

Seasonings:

• 1 tbsp - Sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp - Mustard seeds
• 1/4 tsp - Split black gram / ulunthu
• 1 no - Dry red chilli
• Few curry leaves
• 1 pinch - Asafoetida

Preparation method:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add whole black gram / ulunthu and saute until golden brown in color. Then add garlic, ginger, dry red chillies and fresh curry leaves, saute for a minute.
2. Now add walnuts and saute until they are crispy. Then add grated coconut and tamarind piece, saute for few seconds. Allow them to cool.
3. Transfer this mixture to a mixer grinder, add required salt and grind it to a smooth paste. Finally season with items given in the list for seasoning and serve with idly or dosai.

Notes:

• You can increase or decrease number of dry red chillies as per your spice level.