Amla Chutney / Nellikkai Thokku Recipe

Amla chutney or thokku is a versatile dish, which can be served with parathas, chapathis, curd rice or can be mixed with steam cooked rice. This amla thokku has a shelf-life upto 3 weeks with refrigeration.

Recipe Video in Youtube Shorts on Vidyascooking Youtube Channel

Ingredients:

6 Amlas Grated 

8 Green Chilies Coarse Ground

1 Tsp Urad Dal (Black Gram Dal)

1 Tsp Mustard Seeds

1/4 Tsp Turmeric Powder

1 Tsp Chilly Flakes Optional 

1/4 Tsp Asafoetida

1/4 Cup Oil 

Salt as per taste

Prep:

Wash the amla well and wipe it. Using a cheese grater, grate the amla and reserve.

Remove the stems from green chilies. Rinse in water twice. Pat the green chilies with a towel. Add the chillies to a mixerjar and grind to form a coarse paste and reserve.

Method:

Heat a wok on medium flame with oil.

Add the mustard seeds and split blackgram dal to the oil allow it to splutter. 

Next add grated amla, coarse ground chilly paste, turmeric powder, asafoetida, and salt stir well and fry.

Check for salt and spice content add it if needed. I normally add 1 tsp chilly flakes.

Stir and fry the amla on medium flame for 5 to 10 minutes or until the color of the amla changes to golden brown.

Remove the amla thokku from flame allow it to cool down and bottle it.

This thokku stores well upto 3 weeks in a airtight bottle.

Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, offers a wide range of health benefits, including boosting immunity, supporting heart health, improving digestion, and promoting skin and hair health. It's a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet. 

Here's a more detailed look at the benefits:

1. Boosting Immunity: Amla is exceptionally high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function. This can help the body fight off infections and illnesses. 

2. Supporting Heart Health: Amla may help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow, all of which are beneficial for heart health. 

3. Improving Digestion: Amla contains dietary fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. It also stimulates digestive enzymes, aiding in the efficient breakdown of food. 

4. Promoting Skin Health: The high vitamin C content in amla stimulates collagen production, which can improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Amla may also help reduce blemishes and even out skin tone. 

5. Enhancing Hair Health: Amla is often used in hair care products to strengthen hair, reduce hair loss, and improve scalp health. It can also help prevent premature greying and promote hair growth. 

6. Other Potential Benefits:

Blood Sugar Regulation:

Amla may help regulate blood sugar levels, which could be beneficial for individuals with diabetes. 

Liver Support:

Studies suggest amla may have hepatoprotective properties, potentially protecting the liver from damage. 

Brain Function:

Some research indicates that amla may help improve memory and reduce stress hormones. 

Weight Management:

Amla juice may aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and improving digestion.