Hand-Pounded Peanut-Coconut Chutney with Fermented Green Chilies (No Onion, No Garlic)

This Badam Checha Chutenry no-onion, no-garlic chutney celebrates simplicity while delivering bold flavors. With roasted peanuts (badam checha), fresh coconut, and tangy fermented green chilies, this hand-pounded version is perfect for pairing with traditional Indian meals.

How to Ferment Green Chilies

Ingredients:

• Green chilies: 10-15 (fresh and firm)
• Salt: 2 tablespoons
• Water: 1 cup (filtered or boiled and cooled)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Chilies:
   • Wash and dry the chilies.
   • Make a small slit in each chili to allow the brine to penetrate.
2. Make the Brine:
   • Dissolve salt in water to create a brine.
3. Ferment the Chilies:
   • Place the chilies in a clean glass jar.
   • Pour the brine over the chilies, ensuring they are fully submerged.
   • Cover the jar loosely or with a clean cloth.
   • Let it ferment in a cool, dark place for 2 days.
4. Refrigerate:
   • Once fermented, transfer the chilies to the refrigerator to preserve them.

Chutney Ingredients

• Salt: To taste
• Ginger: 1-inch piece, peeled and chopped
• Fermented green chilies: 2-3 (adjust to taste)
• Coconut scraps: 1/2 cup, fresh
• Peanuts (Badam): 1/2 cup, roasted and skin removed

Instructions to Make the Chutney

1. Pound the Base:
   • In a mortar and pestle, pound salt, ginger, and fermented green chilies into a coarse paste.
2. Add Coconut:
   • Gradually add coconut scraps to the paste and pound until well combined.
3. Incorporate Peanuts:
   • Add the roasted peanuts and pound until the chutney reaches a coarse, grainy texture.
4. Serve:
   • Transfer the chutney to a bowl and serve fresh with rice, dosa, idli, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

• Authentic Texture: Hand-pounding preserves the traditional texture and brings out the earthy flavors of the ingredients.
• No Onion, No Garlic: Perfect for vrat (fasting) or meals that avoid onion and garlic.
• Customizable: Adjust the number of fermented chilies for desired spice levels.

This simple, wholesome chutney is a delicious side dish that complements any Indian meal. Its rustic preparation and bold flavors make it truly special!