I never thought it would come to this! Reviewing a YouTube recipe. But it would be a long time before I can dine in at any place and write reviews. So for the rest of the year, I decided to try out a new recipe from YouTube channels and write about it.
This month, I tried what is known an “Olaru Chitranna.” The Oralu is a traditional grinding stone that was common in every household. We had it too but with time and advances in technology, the mixer took over and pretty darn convenient it is too!
So here is the recipe for Oralu Chitranna without the Oralu :)
1. Grind: 1 cup fresh grated coconut, lemon sized soaked tamarind, 3 to 4 green chillies, little asafetida (hing), little cumin seeds, little jaggery, a handful of coriander leaves and a handful of curry leaves – Grind all this into a smooth paste. I had to add very, very little water which evaporates while cooking though the recipe doesn’t call for it.
2. Heat oil. Add mustard seeds, ½ tsp urad dal, channa dal, peanuts; curry leaves, ½ tsp turmeric powder, and a few green chillies. This is your seasoning.
3. Add ground masala paste to the seasoning. Mix well and add some cooked rice. Mix thoroughly and garnish with coriander leaves.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FABMXqarL0
This is the link for the recipe. Or just search for Oralu Chitranna in YouTube and you’ll get the recipe.
What I did slightly different from the recipe – added a little water so it grinds better. Fried peanuts beforehand and added it along with cooked rice. Rest of the steps was the similar to the video.
Taste wise, this Chitranna was very different from the other regular ways of preparing it. The tang of the tamarind, the spice of the green chillies, the sweet of the jaggery – a blend of sweet, sour, spice, salt..It had it all. I absolutely loved it and did not feel the need for an “extra side dish” for this, though I ate it with some fresh cut cucumber slices and steamed French beans but it tastes good as it is. Besides it is prepared using everyday ingredients found in most kitchens. Will be a regular at home now. Totally worth the effort. Overall rating 4.5/5
Ratings for reviews:
1 – No! No! No!
2- Just about average.
3 –Good. Can give it a try.
4- Great!!
5 – Yes! Yes! Yes! And I’ll tell all about it.
