Almonds /Badam chutney

Preparing Time: 5 Minutes
Cooking Time: 5 Minutes

Cuisine : South Indian (Andhra)

Almonds or Badam    (click for health benefits of almonds) , tastes best when consumed toasted or raw . They add a crunchy and nutty flavor to the dish . Today I want to introduce a unique savory flavor of almonds in the form of chutney . This yummy chutney is the best alternative to Peanuts or coconut chutney as both are high in fats. This complements well with Idli & dosa . Due to its rich texture and less oil content when compared to peanuts (which has the highest ) this chutney may be considered healthy , and does not  make you feel  thirsty or bloated even when consumed in more quantities .A 10 minute recipe which is perfect when in a hurry or for  lunch box .

Ingredients:
Almonds 100 gms
Cashews 5 to count
Oil 1 teaspoon
Salt as per taste
Tamarind pulp 1/4 teaspoon

For Tempering:
Mustard Seeds 1 teaspoon (divided )
Red Chilies as per taste
Green Chilies as per taste
Curry Leaves few

Procedure:
Step 1:Roast  the almonds with a little oil , unlike peanuts they easily get roasted even with a little quantity of oil in less time.
Step 2: When done roasting, dish it into the blending jar , add in few roasted cashews
Step 3: Now in the same pan temper the mustard seeds, green chilies , and red chilies , when mustard seeds sputters add the tempering to the almonds

Step 4: Toss in salt for taste , a little of tamarind pulp . Give it quick pulses to make it a  powder . After giving it pulses add in water to blend it into a  smooth paste . Dish it out

Step 5: Temper with remaining mustard seeds and curry leaves . Serve with dosa or Idli .

Notes: 

• I have used very hot peppers , so added in less quantities .Be sure to prepare this chutney spicy as almonds tastes sweeter when compared to peanuts
• You can add in some fresh coconut when blending the chutney
• You can omit the cashews , here I have added them (in little quantities) for extra flavor