Chammanthi Curry..(kerala)

Now, this is an everyday curry from Kerala, that goes with some breakfast foods. Its the side dish/curry for Dosa or Idli, which are breakfast items in the Southern states of India as you all may be aware of already. I love this simple curry, as it goes very well with hot- from the- pan- Dosa. Reminds me so much of my mom and childhood and my native place. This is loved by my kids too. So, here goes.


1: Shredded fresh/ frozen Coconut                                              -            1 cup

2: Red chilly                                                                                - 6-7 nos.

3: Shallots( small red onions)                                                       -2

4. Curry leaves                                                                           - 1 sprig

5: Cumin                                                                                    - 1 tbsp

6: Salt                                                                                         - required

Grind all the above ingredients adding a little water, into a fine paste and keep aside.


For Garnish:

1: Mustard seeds                                                                       - 1 tsp

2: Curry leaves                                                                           - 1 sprig

3: Red chilly                                                                               - 1 (pieced)

4: Shallot                                                                                    - 1-2 cut into small pieces

Now, heat a pan with  2 tbsp of cooking oil. (Coconut oil would be perfect). Into the heated oil put the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add the pieces of shallots, red chilly and curry leaves and let them fry a bit. Into this, pour the ground mixture of coconut (chutney/chammanthi). Add a little water and get it into the flowing consistency of the curry. Do not dilute it too much. Remember to add enough salt and turn off the heat before the Chammanthi curry/ chutney starts boiling. Use it with dosa or idli. Enjoy!