Vithai kothamalli thovaiyal

Vithai - seed; kothamalli - coriander ; thovaiyal - thick chutney (Tamil - English)

This is chutney recipe is from my mom's maid Mary Vadivu ammal. She assisted mom for a very long time and I can't predict her age. Hope she was a old lady but very strong as a little girl. I love her hints on simple foods and home remedies. One of her recommendations for a sluggish winter day after a grand food is the kollu rasam and the vithai malli thovaiyal. Here goes the recipe.

Coriander seed chutney.

Ingredients:

coriander seeds - 2 tbsp
channa dhal - 2 tbsp
shredded coconut - 3 tbsp (optional)
dry red chillies - 4 or 5
garlic - a piece
cumin - 1/4 tsp
curry leaf - 1 sprig
salt - to taste
tamarind - 2 inch
oil - 1 tsp

Method:

Heat oil in a wok. Roast the channa dhal to a mild red color. Take out.
Then roast the coriander seeds, red chillies and coconut one by one.
Let them cool.
Then grind the roasted ingredients with all the above with very little water to get a thick chutney (thogaiyal).
Vithai malli chutney is ready!

Serving suggestions:

Serve with piping hot rice and kollu rasam.
Pairs well with curd rice, dhal rice , idly etc.

Health benefits:

Coriander seed helps subduing pitham and hence a good remedy for giddiness.
It increases digestion.
Its fiber is great for weight loss.