In this era of fast-food meals and ready-to-eat packaged foods, Indian cuisine still stands tall for its fresh ingredients and unique cooking techniques. Keeping the age-old practices alive, most Indian dishes are still prepared with traditional methods, care, and precision. One such food family on the Indian palate is South Indian cuisine. From the coconut-rich preparations of Kerala to the spice-laden dishes of Tamil Nadu, South Indian cuisine is a celebration of taste and uniqueness.
The core ingredients of South Indian cuisine are lentils, rice, coconut, and a variety of spices such as curry leaves, mustard seeds, and dried red chillies.
In South Indian cuisine, dosa and idly stand out as the two most iconic dishes. These dishes are loved for their texture, balanced taste, and nutritional value. The crisp texture of the dosa and the soft steamed idlys are sure to impress your tastebuds, but what truly gives an edge to this culinary experience is the accompaniment of pickles and chutneys.
At Dosa Hut, the best Indian restaurant in Werribee, we take pride in serving authentic South Indian cuisine. Our dosas and idlys, served with sambhar and chutney, are a hit!
Whether you prefer the aromatic sambar with dosa or crave the rich ghee podi idly, we serve it all!
While most people know about the popular South Indian dishes, they are quite unaware of the traditional chutneys and pickles that give these dishes their true depth of flavour.
In this blog, we will introduce you to traditional South Indian pickles and chutneys that are a must-try!
Chutneys: The Essence of South Indian Cuisine
1. Coconut Chutney
Both refreshing and versatile, coconut chutney is a perfect companion to almost every South Indian dish. Made from grated coconut, green chillies, garlic cloves, and roasted gram lentils, this chutney offers a mysterious balance of spice and cooling comfort. Blended and tempered with curry leaves and mustard seeds, coconut chutney is best paired with dosa, idly, and vada. Make sure to try this chutney at Dosa Hut, which serves the best South Indian food in Werribee.
2. Tomato Chutney
Want to add a dash of zing to your humble dosa? Then, make sure to add a spoonful of tomato chutney to your plate. Tomato chutney, with its vibrant colour and bold flavour, can redefine any dish. Also eaten as a side with rice dishes, tomato chutney is made from ripe, tangy tomatoes, dried red chillies, and spices. The ingredients are sautéed and blended into a paste, and then a tempered mixture of mustard seeds and curry leaves is added.
3. Gun Powder Chutney or Podi Chutney
A South Indian meal is incomplete without this nutty and aromatic chutney. Gun Powder chutney, locally known as Podi chutney, is made from roasted lentils, spices, and dried coconut. All the ingredients are dry-roasted on a low flame and ground together until a powdery texture is achieved. The powder is then added to any of the recipes for use with oil or served on the side along with rice. The Podi chutney is also topped on idlys to enhance its flavour. Likewise, it is also added to dosas or served on the side as an accompaniment. All in all, this staple can add richness to every dish!
Already craving for this chutney? Don’t miss Podi Dosa and Ghee Podi Idly at Dosa Hut in Werribee!
Now that we know about these three lip-smacking South Indian chutneys, let’s learn about the pickles!
South Indian Pickles: A Burst of Flavour and Tradition
1. Mango Pickle
Enjoyed with rice, dosas, and curries, mango pickle is a staple in South India. Every region in South India has a unique way of preparing this pickle, but the usual ingredients used in this pickle are raw mango, mustard seeds, spices, fenugreek seeds, and sesame oil. The spices and seeds are first added to a hot oil pan and roasted with sesame oil. Further, mango pieces marinated with salt, chilli powder, and mustard seeds are kept aside and allowed to dry naturally, preferably under the sun. The roasted mixture is then added to the marinated raw mango pieces, along with some turmeric, and mixed thoroughly.
For those who love a zesty twist to their meals, this pickle is a must-have!
(PRO TIP: Relish this amazing mango pickle with Sambar Rice from Dosa Hut and surprise your food-loving soul.)
2. Mixed Vegetable Pickle
In this pickle, all the seasonal vegetables like, carrots, bell peppers, cauliflower, and green beans, are cut into medium-sized cubes and marinated with spices and salt. Further, mustard oil, along with some garlic, green chillies, fenugreek seeds, and mustard seeds, is roasted and added to the vegetable mixture. A colourful medley of sorts, this pickle can also be paired with Indian bread.
3. Lemon Pickle
Are you someone who loves the tantalising sensation of lemon? Then prepare your tastebuds for the unmissable lemon pickle that is full of citrus flavours and a hint of spice. A unique blend by all means, lemon pickle can add sunshine to even the most boring meal! A favourite in most South Indian households, lemon pickle is most enjoyed with curd rice and sambar rice. Made from juicy lemons marinated in a blend of oil and spices, lemon pickle is bound to impress you.
We hope this blog on traditional chutneys and pickles has inspired you to explore the different offerings of South Indian cuisine!
Visit Dosa Hut Indian restaurant in Werribee with your friends and family, the most recommended Indian restaurant in Werribee, and binge on authentic Indian dishes guilt-free! Bon Appetit!
