Most plants grown on this planet are edible. Some plants can be eaten whole while some plants can only be cultivated for its parts like pods, flowers, and seeds. Indian sacred texts have proven time and again that the best way of staying healthy is by eating healthy. Nature’s best gift to humanity are plants and their products. One of such plants is sesame. Sesame seeds are used in most cuisines. These tiny teardrop gems are grown in subtropical regions, especially India and Africa.
Sesame is known as Ellu in Tamil Nadu, a place famous for amazing food. A chutney means a sauce. Ellu chutney or sesame seeds chutney has a rich flavor and is a perfect side dish for idli, dosa or vada. Do not eat this chutney if you are allergic to sesame.
Health Benefits
Sesame seeds are rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, protein, fiber. They strengthen the bone and are packed with antioxidants that reverse the sign of aging and gives a healthy skin.
Coconut has Iron, zinc, fat and dietary fiber which helps to fend off weight gain by helping you feel fuller after the meals.
Ingredients
cup – sesame seeds: 1/4
tbsp – split urad dal /black gram: 1
red chilies: 4
cloves - garlic: 5
cup – freshly grated coconut: 1/4
small piece – tamarind soaked in water
salt to taste
tbsp – cooking oil: 2
tsp – mustard seeds: 1/2
few curry leaves
pinch – asafetida/hing: 1
How To Make Ellu Chutney
- In a pan, dry roast sesame seeds until it splutter on low flame.
- Transfer into a bowl.
- In a medium size wok, add 1 tsp of oil and heat it.
- Add black gram, red chilies.
- Fry on a medium flame till black grams turn golden and immediately transfer into a plate and let it cool.
- Transfer the roasted sesame seeds, fried masala, grated coconut, tamarind and salt to a mixer/blender.
- Add little water if required.
- Grind to a smooth paste.
- In a separate wok heat the oil, add mustard seeds.
- Add hing and curry leaves.
- Pour this tempering into ground chutney.
- Ellu chutney is ready to serve with hot rice/idli/dosa/vada.
Trivia
About 75% of Mexico's sesame crop is purchased by McDonald's for use in their sesame seed buns worldwide. (Wikipedia)
Sesame is one of the oldest spices known to man and might be the first crop grown for its edible oil. Babylonians used the oil to make sesame cakes, wine, brandy, and toiletries. (food reference)