Sunday, September 2, 2007

Tamarind Chutney with dired cherries and dates - for Bhel Puri


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What is with packages that make you so happy? A package reached me last week with goodies all the way from Michigan via New England, with some lovely pink cherries and an agate lady stone. Thanks Linda that was awfully nice and sweet of you. Eating the tarty sweet cherries was a treat by itself. With cousins visiting from Florida, Illinois and brother from New York making Bhel Puri seemed like a great idea, there is no Bhel Puri without Tamarind Chutney. How about some Cherry, Tamarind Chutney even better.

Dried Cherry Tamarind Chutney

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Tamarind Chutney with dried cherries and dates Ingredients

1. 2 Cups of Tamarind pulp from a small lemon sized ball of tamarind
2. 15 Dried Tart Cherries (Michigan Cherries all the more better :)) (substitue black or red raisins)
3. 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
4. 1 tsp cumin powder
5. 1/2 tbsp Red Chilli powder
6. 2 Dates
7. Salt
8. 1 tsp oil

9. 2-3 tbsp jaggery (optional)
Method 1:
1. In a pan heat oil when it is smoky add the cumin seeds.
2. Pour the Tamarind juice and add the chilli powder and cumin powder.
3. When it starts to boil, add the cherries and dates.
4. Add salt.
5. Boil till it cooks down about a 3rd. If the mixture is too tart add the jaggery.

6. Cool and blend.

Method 2:

1. Soak the cherries, dates and raisins if using in about a cup of boiling water for about 20-30 minutes.
2. In a pan heat oil when it is smoky add the cumin seeds.
3. Pour the Tamarind juice and add the chilli powder and cumin powder and let it come to a boil.
4. Blend the soaked dried fruits with the water and add to the boiling tamarind pulp, add salt.
5. Add jaggery if the mixture is very tart.
6. Boil till it cooks down about a 3rd or the consistency desired.

Serve over Bhel Puri Mix or just plain roasted pori (puffed rice), cooked Channa, cut red onions and tomatoes. Perfect snack for any occasion.

14 comments:

  1. This is nice. I like how you combine cherry and tamarind together...

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  2. Hi ISG,

    So happy to hear you could enjoy the cherries with your extended family! Must be a nice full house there. If I get myself some dates I can try this chutney. I even have some bhel puri mix in the freezer (not so tempting to munch all the time, hidden away in there). I knew you'd think of something yummy :)


    Enjoy the last of summer tmo, end of holiday weekend so we have to make it last yes?

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  3. There is undeniable pleasure in receiving treats. Enjoy!

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  4. Cherry + tamarind must taste unique... sounds like a great pairing!

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  5. oh my!!! ...sorry, i cant stop drooling at ur pics...

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  6. Cherry + tamarind sounds like a lip smacking combination...must have tatsed really awesome with bhel puri!

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  7. what a great combo.... cherry with tamarind! :) gives me an idea to make a thokku too.

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  8. cherry with tamarind? wow thats new.. for me... bhel puri looks amazing!!!

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  9. Mmmmmmmmm..bhel puri and with chutney....slurppppp
    Cherry & tamarind combo seems nice

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  10. Saying a quick hello Indo! Cherry and tamarind with Bhel, not fair when I can't cook much!:))

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  11. What a combination...cherry with tamarind? Just want to reach thru the picture and grab a bite. Looks very nice.

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  12. Anh, I am never going to make the Bhel Puri Tamarind Chutney again without the dried cherries.

    Linda, we all surely did, it was indeed a full house and a lot of fun. Linda you can substitute black raisins for dates, I do that when I don't have dates. But the Cherries gave it a beautiful color and the tart taste.

    Cynthia definitely!

    Jyothsna, it was a great pairing the tart sour taste of the cherries goes well with the mellow sour taste of tamarind very well.

    Sia, thank you.

    Tee they tasted really great with bhel puri, now there is going to be no tamarind chutney for me without the cherries.

    Kay thokku is also great idea, I should try it maybe slightly spicy. If you do try let me know how it turns out.

    Rachna, bhel puri is the perfect snack right? give it a try you won't be disappointed.

    Sandeepa, cherry tamarind is a great combo and I am sticking with it.

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  13. Asha dear, you found time to stop by while still recovering? I am glad you are recuperating and coming along fine. If I could get some over to you somehow :)

    Kribha thanks, who can resist Bhel Puri right? The Cherry is what gave it the amazing color.

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  14. that sounds real tangy:) the bhel must have tasted heavenly.

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