Jawas Chutney or Alsi chutney or Flaxseed chutney is a type of dry chutney served as an accompaniment to a typical Indian meal. It is made using flaxseeds, coconut, sesame and chilies.
In recent years, flaxseed dry chutney, also known as Jawas Chutney, has rose in popularity, thanks to its amazing health benefits. Back in the day, Indian households would make dry chutneys to amp up the nutrition and flavor of their meals. Among the many varieties, flaxseed dry chutney steals the show for its nutritional goodness.
Flaxseed, being plant-based, brings in a bunch of good stuff like healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients like lignans, antioxidants, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. All these can help reduce the risk of various health issues. So, it’s not just tasty—it’s good for you too!
Health Benefits of including Flaxseeds into your diet:
- Heart Health: Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Digestive Health: The high fiber content in flaxseeds promotes healthy digestion and can help prevent constipation.
- Weight Management: Flaxseeds are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied, aiding in weight management.
- Joint Health: The anti-inflammatory properties of flaxseeds may help reduce joint pain and stiffness associated with conditions like arthritis.
- Brain Function: Omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseeds are important for brain health and may help improve memory and cognitive function.
Ingredients
Flaxseeds, grated coconut, dried red chilies, garlic, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, turmeric powder, salt to taste
Recipe Instructions
- Begin by dry roasting the flaxseeds in a pan over medium heat until they turn slightly brown and release a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir continuously to prevent burning. Once roasted, take it out on a plate and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add the dried red chilies, cumin seeds, sesame seeds and grated coconut. Roast them for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Let them cool.
- Now transfer the roasted flaxseeds, dried red chilies, cumin seeds, sesame seeds grated coconut, garlic cloves, turmeric powder, and salt into a blender or food processor.
- Blend all the ingredients together until you achieve a coarse powder consistency. Be sure not to over-blend, as you want the chutney to have some texture.
- Your flaxseed dry chutney is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it alongside your favorite dishes as a flavorful condiment, or you can store it in an airtight container for future use.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Jawas chutney alongside traditional Indian meals such as dal and rice, roti, or dosa. Its nutty flavor and crunchy texture complement the savory dishes beautifully, adding an extra layer of flavor and nutrition to the meal.
- Sprinkle the chutney over salads, rice, yogurt, or use it as a seasoning for snacks like popcorn or roasted nuts for an extra flavor boost.
Tips and Tricks
- Just like the flaxseeds, toast the grated coconut separately to bring out their individual flavors before blending. This enhances the overall taste of the chutney.
- Adjust the quantity of red chilies according to your spice preference.
- Store the flaxseed dry chutney in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness. You can also refrigerate it for extended shelf life.
- Be mindful of how long you blend the ingredients. Aim for a coarse powder consistency to maintain a crunchy texture in the chutney. Blending for long time will cause flaxseeds and coconut to release oils giving it a clumpy texture.
Meal Prep Tip
- Consider making a big batch of Flaxseeds chutney. It refrigerates well and can be kept in the fridge for 1-2 weeks in an air tight container.
- You can also freeze the chutney and extend its shelf life even longer. Freeze them in portions and keep them in freezer safe bags to prevent from freezer burns. Remove required quantity of chutney, thaw it and serve it to enjoy its unique flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground flaxseed instead of whole flaxseeds?
A: While whole flaxseeds provide a nice crunch to the chutney, you can certainly use ground flaxseed. However, its nutritional value reduces with time. So it is best to use whole flaxseeds and make it fresh.
Q: Is flaxseed dry chutney suitable for a vegan diet?
A: Absolutely! Flaxseed dry chutney is completely vegan as it contains no animal products. It’s a perfect addition to any vegan meal.
Q: Can I customize the ingredients in the chutney?
A: Of course! Feel free to add or omit ingredients based on your taste preferences. You can even experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique version of flaxseed dry chutney.
Q: What are the other health benefits of flaxseed?
A: Flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants, which may help improve heart health, aid in digestion, and reduce inflammation in the body. Incorporating flaxseed into your diet can contribute to overall well-being.
Jawas Chutney | Flaxseed Chutney
Ingredients
- 1 cup flaxseeds
- ½ cup grated coconut
- 4-5 dried red chilies
- 4-5 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by dry roasting the flaxseeds in a pan over medium heat until they turn slightly brown and release a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir continuously to prevent burning.
- Once roasted, take it out on a plate and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add the dried red chilies, cumin seeds, sesame seeds and grated coconut. Roast them for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Let them cool.
- Now transfer the roasted flaxseeds, dried red chilies, cumin seeds, sesame seeds grated coconut, garlic cloves, turmeric powder, and salt into a blender or food processor.
- Blend all the ingredients together until you achieve a coarse powder consistency. Be sure not to over-blend, as you want the chutney to have some texture.
- Your flaxseed dry chutney is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it alongside your favorite dishes as a flavorful condiment, or you can store it in an airtight container for future use.
Notes
- Serve Jawas chutney alongside traditional Indian meals such as dal and rice, roti, or dosa. Its nutty flavor and crunchy texture complement the savory dishes beautifully, adding an extra layer of flavor and nutrition to the meal.
- Sprinkle the chutney over salads, rice, yogurt, or use it as a seasoning for snacks like popcorn or roasted nuts for an extra flavor boost.
- Just like the flaxseeds, toast the grated coconut separately to bring out their individual flavors before blending. This enhances the overall taste of the chutney.
- Adjust the quantity of red chilies according to your spice preference.
- Store the jawas chutney in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness. You can also refrigerate it for extended shelf life.
- Be mindful of how long you blend the ingredients. Aim for a coarse powder consistency to maintain a crunchy texture in the chutney. Blending for long time will cause flaxseeds and coconut to release oils giving it a clumpy texture.
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- Consider making a big batch of Flaxseeds chutney. It refrigerates well and can be kept in the fridge for 1-2 weeks in an air tight container.
- You can also freeze the chutney and extend its shelf life even longer. Freeze them in portions and keep them in freezer safe bags to prevent from freezer burns. Remove required quantity of chutney, thaw it and serve it to enjoy its unique flavor.
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