Nalleru pachadi, a vibrant chutney from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, boasts a unique flavour profile thanks to its key ingredient: the nalleru plant. This lesser-known gem thrives in the Indian forests, but its reach extends beyond wild growth. It flourishes anywhere, even on rooftops, and can even survive happily in just water!
Medicine To Chutney: Nalleru’s Culinary Versatility
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Nalleru’s appeal goes far beyond its adaptability. In the world of Ayurveda, this plant is a celebrated medicinal wonder. Packed with vitamin C, calcium, and potent anti-inflammatory properties, nalleru offers a plethora of health benefits.
It aids digestion, helps manage diabetes, and even contributes to bone repair, tissue regeneration, and the treatment of stomach infections. The nalleru pachadi itself is a delightful explosion of taste – a delicious balance of tangy, spicy, and slightly bitter notes.
This unique flavour combination complements rice, roti, or idli perfectly. The bitterness adds an intriguing depth, further enhanced by the sourness and heat of the other ingredients. Nalleru pachadi isn’t just a flavourful addition to your meal; it’s a delightful way to incorporate this health-promoting plant into your diet.
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The Nalleru Plant
The nalleru plant (Cissus quadrangularis) is a tropical climber native to Asia and Africa. Nalleru boasts long, spiky stems with a distinct acrid flavour. Despite its strong taste, every part of this remarkable creeper finds use in traditional medicine.
Nalleru’s versatility extends beyond medicinal applications. Its tender stems when blended with roasted peanuts, transform into a delightful pachadi – a tangy and scrumptious chutney. This unique dish showcases the plant’s hidden culinary potential.
Nalleru goes by many names: veld grape in English, hadjora in Hindi, and vajrangi (meaning “strong as a diamond”) in Sanskrit. Telugu speakers know it simply as nalleru. Ayurvedic texts hold nalleru in high regard, citing its various parts as remedies for a range of ailments. These include but are not limited to, osteoporosis, digestive issues, piles (hemorrhoids), and even diabetes.
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Looking for a flavourful twist on your chutney routine? Or perhaps a versatile and medicinal plant to add to your green haven? Look no further than the nalleru!
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Canva
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