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Friday, March 24, 2017

NARTHA ILAI PODI / VEPPILAI KATTI / CITRON LEAVES PICKLE / CITRON LEAVES POWDER

How to make Nartha ilai podi, How to make veppilai katti, How to make citron leaves pickle, How to make citron leaves powder

Citron leaves are known for its medicinal values and  effective for treating nausea, vomiting, and heartburns. Veppilai katti is a traditional tambrahm pickle. This is a powder based pickle, yes, you read it right, pickle in powder form, made by pounding the tangy flavoured citron leaves and some spices. Actually this has NO NEEM LEAVES, but is named so.This pickle will be in powder form and can be shaped to small balls as well. Both Narthai ilai podi and veppilaikatti are same. If in powdered form we say it as Narthai elai podi and if shaped to balls we say it as veppilai katti. It has a longer shelf life.

Some stores also sell veppilaikatti, but they add tamarind and more chillies giving it a brownish red colour.  Personally, I dislike the tamarind taste in this pickle. So, I make this at home as I prefer the aroma of the leaves to dominate and the greenish colour. Nartha ilai podi / Veppilaikatti is tangy flavoured, spicy pickle and makes an excellent accompaniment to curd rice.


INGREDIENTS:


Tender narthai leaves (Citron leaves) and lemon leaves - 1 1/2 cups (tightly packed)
Dry Red Chillies - 6 
Omam(Ajwain) - 1 tsp.(heaped)
Crystal salt - to taste 
Asafoetida - 1/2 tsp.
Lemon juice from one key lime or as needed

How to do Nartha ilai podi, How to do veppilai katti

How to do Nartha ilai podi, How to do veppilai katti

METHOD:

Pluck tender citron leaves and lemon leaves, wash well, pat it dry, remove the veins as shown in picture. Keep ready.

Heat a kadai and dry roast chillies for a minute. Dry grind hing, chillies and ajwain to a coarse powder in a mixie. Keep aside. Pulse the leaves, alongwith required salt coarsely. Combine all ingredients and pulse it to a coarse powder until everything is mixed well. Transfer to a bowl, add lime juice and make small balls. 
After drying, the colour changes, don't worry it is edible. Narthai ilai podi / Veppilaikatti is ready. 

NOTE: 
Lemon leaves can be substituted for  citron leaves.
Adjust chillies and lime juice to suit your tastebuds.

VARIATION:
Done only with narthai leaves.
Curry leaves can be added.
Tamarind and more chillies are added which gives a brownish red colour to the balls.
Some add green chillies. Some add pepper and cumin.


4 comments :

  1. Hi!
    For how long will the pudi remain fresh outside, If I add lime juice. Or, should I be adding juice Only to make balls while serving
    Also, does this pudi need to be refrigerated? How long does this pudi remain fresh outside (without adding lime juice)?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. it can be kept for long. stores sell in packetsnoe even they freeze. You can keep it in fridge too. Lime juice is the preservative.It is a must.

      Delete
  2. should i dry roast the leaves?

    ReplyDelete

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