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The Heart of the Recipe

• The Harvest: Premium Garlic (Veluthulli) bulbs, hand-peeled and cleaned with care.

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

• Fresh Aromatics: Hand-crushed Ginger, slit Green Chilies, and fresh Garlic cloves.

• The Traditional Spice Bouquet: A vibrant blend of Red Chili powder, Turmeric, pure Asafoetida (Kayapodi), and toasted Fenugreek (Uluvapodi).

• The Finishing Touch: Authentic Vinegar and Sea Salt to balance and preserve the robust flavours.

The Community Method

I. Preparation & Purification
We begin by selecting the finest garlic bulbs. Each clove is meticulously hand-peeled, removing the skin to ensure only the prime heart of the garlic remains. The cloves are then thoroughly washed and dried until no trace of moisture remains, preparing them for the slow-wilting process.

II. The Artisanal Oil-Wilting Process
In a traditional heavy-bottomed vessel, the prepared garlic cloves are gently tossed in pure sesame oil. We cook them slowly over a steady flame, allowing the cloves to wilt in the oil until they become tender and supple. This crucial step mellows the garlic’s natural sharpness while concentrating its savory essence.

III. Gathering the Aromatics
In a separate vessel, we temper fresh sesame oil and introduce our hand-crushed aromatics, including ginger and green chilies. These are sautéed until they reach a perfect fragrance, creating the aromatic foundation for the preserve.

IV. The Spice Infusion
On a gentle flame, we add our signature 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 and creating a rich, complex gravy.

V. The Final Union
Natural vinegar and sea salt are added, bringing the mixture to a vigorous, rolling boil. Once the flavors are perfectly married, we fold in the oil-wilted garlic cloves. The preserve is then briefly simmered until the garlic is fully enveloped in the thick, spicy reduction.

Kitchen Notes

Allow the preserve to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it into sterilized glass jars. To maintain its peak heritage quality and prevent oxidation, ensure the garlic cloves remain submerged under a thin layer of the seasoned oil.

Taste Profile

• Spicy

• Tangy

• Strong garlic flavour

• Slightly mellowed 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.