The humble curry leaf is packed with incredible nutrients to combat so many ailments and diseases that it's no wonder our moms and grandmas included it in as many dishes as possible mainly as a garnishing . Sadly we just remove them and chuck them away as curry leaves cannot be eaten by itself . So at best you get just a curry flavor infused in the foods .

But there are several ways you can have the curry leaf with its immense nutrients fully present in the form of a flavored powder , or as a spicy Thokku ( like a pickle ) and as a spread or chutney that can be used to mix with rice and eaten . Curry leaf powder is also a handy mix to have in house to eat with rice and ghee .

Curry leaf Thokku is a great way to enjoy the flavors and benefit from the powerful nutrients present in curryleaves . This Thokku has a double flavor , that of the spicy tangy tamrind paste called Puliyogare / Pulikaachal with the added flavor of curry leaves .

Curry leaves Thokku also makes an excellent accompaniment to many dishes and also as a useful paste to mix with rice and eat when elaborate cooking is not possible .

Excellent recipe for bachelors and to send with your traveling family members.

Curd rice tastes heavenly with a spoon of this yummy Thokku .

Curry leaves Thokku tastes delicious when mixed with ghee and served to kids .

The following recipe can be made to a loose consistency like a thick liquid by thickening to the consistency you need . I have deliberately made it almost like a paste as I wanted to carry with me and avoid spillage . It also lengthens shelf life by reducing it to a thick paste like texture .

The Thokku that you see in many stores is almost like a liquid with lots of oil standing on top.

Here we use only the quantity of oil needed .

Curry leaves Thokku / Karuveppilai Thokku

Ingredients:

To sautée and grind

3 cups washed dried curry leaves .

1 small piece of ginger

To roast and grind

1 tsp Chana dal

3 tsp coriander seeds

1 tsp fenugreek seeds

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp pepper corns

1 tsp udad dal

8 Kashmiri red chillies ( reduce depending on your preference for spice

Red chilly powder may also be used if you don't have red dry chilies .

A big pinch of asafoetida powder or crystal

1 tsp turmeric powder

1 lime size tamrind . Extract about 1 cup of thick tamrind water .

Salt as required

1/2. Cup sesame oil

To temper

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp Chana dal

Some fried peanuts may be added after Thokku is prepared ( optional )

Method:

1. In a pan add 1 tsp sesame oil and fry the dals and red chillies .

2. Keep aside to cool .

3. In the same pan add the washed dried curry leaves and sautée a bit .

4. Remove and keep aside. .

5. First powder the roasted dals with red chillies .next grind the curry leaves with ginger to a smooth paste . Avoid adding water.

6. In a pan add 1-2 tbsp sesame oil and splutter the mustard seeds. Add the Chana dal to be fried .

7. Now add the ground paste of curry leaves , add the extracted tamrind water and add the roasted powdered dals .

8. Add turmeric powder , asafoetida powder , salt .

9. Let this mixture cook on very low flame . Add remaining oil and let mixture cook till thickened and oil leaves sides of the pan .

10. Store this Thokku in an airtight dry container or a glass bottle .

So what are the main benefits of curry leaf ?

1. It is a rich source of iron and folic acid and fights anaemia .

2. Helps liver function well .

3. Lowers blood sugar levels . the presence of fiber in the leaves helps in controlling your blood sugar levels. Curry leaves are also known to improve digestion and alter the way your body absorbs fat, thereby helping you lose weight. Good for weight management and helps diabetics

4. Curry leaves are also known to reduce cholesterol,levels on account of the fibers present and keeps heart healthy . As it is packed with antioxidants it is known to increase the good cholesterol levels. ( HDL )

5. Curry leaves are known to be carminative in nature therefore aids in digestion as it is known to have mild laxative properties .

6.Curry leaves are also known to be effective against diarrhea . It has antibacterial anti inflammatory properties .

7. Curry leaves are also known to reduce side effects of chemotherapy as it halts the production of free radicals in the body . It is also said increase intake of curry leaves may also be useful in prevention of cancer .

8. Curry Leaves helps relieve nose congestion , sinusitis or chest congestion .

9. Curry leaves. Also helps in prevention of skin infections as it has anti fungal anti bacterial and anti oxidant properties . So it is a great home remedy to fight and prevent many skin ailments like fungal infections .

10. Curry leaves are known to promote good hair growth and prevent and reducing grey ing of hair due to various nutrients present . Curry Leaves are also good to treat dandruff hair fall and damaged hair .

Packed with carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, phosphorous, irons and vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E, curry leaves help your heart function better, fights infections and can enliven your hair and skin with vitality.

Source health site.com

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