Minumula Chintapandu Pachadi (Nellore Special Pickle from Mom's kitchen)

(As narrated by mom)

Peru vintagane undi kaani ruchi chooste maatram tega mechukuntaru. Oorinche ooragayalaku oopiri uttaradi. Alaage roti pachallaku kaaNaachi maa simhapuri. Minapa pappu tho tayaru chese ee pachadi ruchiki ruchi arogyaniki arogyam kuda. Ika ela tayaru cheyalo chooddam.

Ingredients:

Dry mirchi - 20

Mustard - 2 tbsp

Coriander seeds - 2 tbsp

Fenugreek seeds (menthulu) - 1 tbsp

Oil - As needed to fry 

Tamarind Paste- 1 big lemon sized (Tastes good only with freshly made natural tamarind paste)

Asafoetida(Inguva) -  as per taste

Urad dal (minapa pappu) - 1 cup

Procedure:

1. In a pan, fry dry mirchi and keep aside. Now add mustard seeds, once they splutter, add coriander seeds,fenugreek seeds, asafoetida and finally add salt(to avoid the spices getting burned). Now remove the ingredients from the pan. 

2. Now in a pan, heat oil and fry the urad dal till golden brown n until nice aroma spreads the kitchen and turn off the heat.

3. Grind fried dry mirchi,seasoning(mustard seeds,coriander seeds,fenugreek seeds,asafoetida,salt). 

4. To the above grinded mixture, add the tamarind paste and grind again. 

5. To this, add the fried ural dal, keeping aside a portion of it aside and grind coarsely. Make sure that urad dal is not completely mashed. 

6. Take out the mixture from the mixie and to this add the remaining portion of the fried urad dal( which we have kept aside). 

It is very tasty and is good for nursing moms n those suffering with fever.  The pickle tastes better day by day as tamarind paste coats the urad dal. Serve with hot rice and ghee and enjoy!!