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The Heart of the Recipe

• The Harvest: Fresh, premium Indian Gooseberries (Nellikka), meticulously cleaned and pitted.

• The Pure Medium: Pure Sesame Oil (Nallenna) for both the initial wilting and the final tempering.

• Fresh Aromatics: Hand-cut Ginger, slit Green Chilies, sliced Garlic cloves, and fresh Curry Leaves.

• The Signature Spice Blend: A vibrant combination of Red Chili powder, Turmeric, toasted Fenugreek (Uluvapodi), and pure Asafoetida (Kayapodi).

• The Finishing Touch: A whisper of authentic Toddy Vinegar (Kallu Vinegar) and Sea Salt to elevate the natural tartness.

The Community Method

I. Preparation & Purification
We begin by selecting the finest gooseberries, ensuring they are thoroughly washed and dried until no moisture remains. The fruit is then carefully hand-pitted, leaving only the nutrient-rich segments ready for the slow-cooking process.

II. The Artisanal Oil-Wilting Process
In a traditional heavy-bottomed vessel, the prepared gooseberries are gently tossed in pure sesame oil with a touch of sea salt. We cook them slowly over a steady flame, allowing the fruit to wilt in its own juices and the oil until it becomes tender and supple. This crucial step ensures a deep, concentrated flavor and a superior shelf-life.

III. Gathering the Aromatics
In a separate vessel, we temper fresh sesame oil and introduce our hand-cut ginger, garlic, green chilies, and curry leaves. These are sautéed until they reach a perfect fragrance, creating the aromatic foundation of the preserve.

IV. The Spice Infusion
On a gentle flame, we add our blend of red chili powder, turmeric, asafoetida, and roasted fenugreek. The spices are stirred carefully to “bloom,” releasing their essential oils into the aromatic base.

V. The Final Union
The oil-wilted gooseberries are folded into the spice reduction along with a small amount of toddy vinegar. Because the gooseberries are naturally acidic, we use the vinegar sparingly to strike a perfect balance. We add a final pinch of salt to taste and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil. Once the flavors are perfectly married, the preserve is removed from the heat while the consistency remains vibrant and lush.

Kitchen Notes

Allow the preserve to cool completely before transferring it into sterilized glass jars. To maintain its heritage quality, ensure the gooseberries remain submerged under a thin layer of the seasoned oil.

Taste Profile

• Tangy

• Spicy

• Slight bitterness typical of gooseberry

• Balanced and rich

Why This Matters

By choosing this product, you are supporting women from Fort Kochi and Mattancherry who are building independent livelihoods through traditional food practices.