Traditional Dishes With Ginger – My Encounter With ‘ginger’
Traditional Dishes with Ginger: A Taste of India Love ginger? Explore classic Indian dishes featuring its bold flavor! Discover ginger chutneys, spicy buttermilk drinks, and more – all bursting with tradition. Learn how to incorporate ginger into your own meals!
Once, every month, my mother prepares, ginger chutney, especially for lunch. And it would be consumed within an hour, during our midday meal.
Varieties of ginger chutney
Till date, I have come across three types of homemade ginger chutneys. The allam pacchadi (ginger chutney is referred so in Telugu), which my mother prepares, which is perishable and remains fresh for only one to two days. This chutney does not need seasoning.
Allam Pachadi (Ginger Pickle/ Thokku)
The other variety, which my mother-in-law prepares, is similar to pickle. This ginger chutney aka pickle, remains fresh for 3-6 months. Yes, this is true and it tastes heavenly.
Turmeric Ginger Chili Pickle
The third type is, again a perishable variety, with seasoning, which is my version.
Aha, spicy and tangy ginger chutney – the simple ginger chutney, spruces up a simple and sober bowl of rice, too!
This chutney can be mixed with rice and a dab of oil, or can be used as an accompaniment for idlis and dosas. It is sure to tempt and tantalize your taste buds. The piquant tones of ginger are simply accentuated by the spiciness of the red chillies and the mild sweetness of jaggery in this ‘pacchadi’. (Chutney is referred as pacchadi in Telugu.)
The Piquantly Spiced Ginger Chutney
Some Popular Traditional Dishes with Ginger
Above all, I love the spicy, piquant, sweet and mildly bitter taste of ginger. Some of the traditional Andhra dishes which ‘must’ incorporate this spice are:
- Tangy buttermilk kadi (majjiga pulusu in Telugu): a mildly spiced stew with ginger and green chillies made with buttermilk. It is seasoned with mustard and asafetida. It acts as a cooling aid and is mixed with rice and savored, during lunch, especially during the summers.
Gummadikaya Majjiga Pulusu / Kumbalakai Majjige Huli
- In Karnataka, buttermilk is flavored with slices of ginger and green chilies. This is served with rice and other accompaniments for lunch. My brother who lives in Mangalore introduced this type of commonly ‘flavored buttermilk’, to us. And my father is hooked to this, now!
Katrazhai Neer Moru/ Aloe Vera Buttermilk
- Also, I love to drink ginger flavored tea, especially during the rainy season and chilly winters. Ah! True warmth and divine satisfaction in a cup!
Honey-Ginger Tea
Some Interesting Facts About Ginger
- Ginger is a rhizome, not a root. A rhizome is an underground stem that sends out roots and shoots. Ginger’s bumpy, “knobby” appearance is due to the buds or “eyes” where new shoots can grow.
- It’s a close relative of turmeric and cardamom. All three belong to the Zingiberaceae family, known for their spicy and aromatic properties.
- Ginger originated in Southeast Asia. India is currently the world’s largest producer of ginger, but it’s cultivated in many tropical regions around the world.
- Ginger has a long history of medicinal use. In traditional Chinese medicine, ginger has been used for over 2,000 years to treat nausea, indigestion, and pain.
- Ginger contains beneficial bioactive compounds. These compounds, including gingerol, are thought to be responsible for ginger’s medicinal properties. Gingerol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Ginger is a versatile ingredient. It can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or juiced. It’s a common ingredient in Asian cuisine, but it’s also used in many other parts of the world. Ginger is used in sweet and savory dishes, drinks, and even desserts!
- Ginger can help relieve nausea. Studies have shown that ginger can be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy.
- Ginger may help reduce inflammation. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties may be helpful for conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Ginger may help lower blood sugar levels. Some studies suggest that ginger may help improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Ginger may help improve cholesterol levels. Ginger may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Did you know?
India reigns supreme as the world’s largest ginger producer! This fragrant root thrives in India’s warm climate, making it a staple ingredient in countless delicious dishes.
Ginger is a safe and healthy spice that can be enjoyed by most people. If you’re looking for a way to add some flavor and health benefits to your diet, consider adding ginger to your meals!
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- Caution – Only An Expert Cook Can Make These Palakkad Recipes, Are You The One?
- 5 Delicious Chai Drinks You Can Make to Welcome Fall
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Aparna, Now that you have told about 3 versions of ginger chutney in your food story. I am tempted to read all the 3 recipes. Please share them too.
Wow, tempting and informational 🙂