Indian Gooseberry Tokku (Amla Tokku) is a tangy, spicy, and slightly bitter pickle-like chutney made from grated amla. It is popular in South Indian kitchens and is not only tasty but also packed with health benefits. Amla provides multiple health benefits – Vitamin C, antioxidants, good for hair health, supports gut health, detoxifies liver, blood purifier, good for eyesight and many more.

Amla tokku recipe:

Ingredients:

1. Amla (Indian gooseberries) – 250 grams (about 6-7 large ones)
2. Mustard seeds – 1 tbsp
3. Methi seeds (fenugreek) – 1 tsp
4. Green chilis – 8-10 (or as per your spice level)
5. Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
6. Asafetida – ¼ tsp
7. Salt – to taste (about 1 to 1.5 tbsp)
8. Sesame oil (gingelly oil) – 4 to 5 tbsp

Preparation:

1. Amla preparation: Wash amla and remove seeds. Grate amla and keep it aside.
2. Dry roast spices: Dry roast 1 tsp fenugreek seeds until aromatic. Cool and grind it into a fine powder.
3. Grind amla and spices: Grind green chilis, grated amla and salt to paste.
4. Seasoning: Heat sesame oil in a pan. Add a pinch of mustard seeds (optional), then the amla paste followed by powdered fenugreek seeds. Add turmeric and asafetida. Mix well and cook for 4–5 minutes on medium flame. Adjust salt as per your taste.
5. Cool and store: Once oil separates and the mixture thicken, turn off the heat. Cool and store in a clean, dry glass jar. Stays good in the fridge for 5-6 weeks.
6. To use tokku: You can mix with hot rice and ghee, as side dish for rotis and curd rice or apply on toasted bread.
7. You can replace green chili with red chili powder too.
8. Adjust salt according to your taste. Too much salt can lead to water retention in the body.

Image credit: Amla  https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-amla-fruits-hanging-on-tree-in-nature-29180993/ (Free to use)