Tender tamarind appe saaru/ Hunase kai (appe) huli / Raw tamarind stew

Appe huli or appe saaru is a type of stew / appetizer from Uttara Kannada! This tangy & spicy drink is commonly prepared with mango if in season or with preserved mangoes. This name is because of a special mango variety called apppe midi. Occasionally they are made with lemons/ citron or tamarind…This drink is served as appetizer during any festive meal.

Tender tamarind appe saaru

As raw/ tender tamarinds are in season now, one can try this delicious drink at home. I got hold of few tamarinds from a nearby farm last week. My mother who is at home made this saaru and we loved it as much as appe saaru. Process of appe saaru (of mango) remains same as this by replacing tamarind with mango! This drink improves digestion & increases hunger. The sourness of the tamarind and rich flavor of asafoetida/ hing and cumin seasoning makes this drink as mouth-watering dish!

Hunase kai (appe) huli

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Serves: 6 cups

Ingredients:

Raw tamarind (big) – 1

Green chillis - 2, adjust to taste

Salt – 1 tsp, adjust as you like

Asafoetida – ¼ tsp (powder)

Coconut oil – 2 tsp

Cumin seeds – ¼ tsp

Mustard seeds – ½ tsp

Curry leaves – 1 sprig

 

Method:

  • Scrape out outermost brown skin and wash tamarind well. Need not peel thick.
  • Chop it roughly and remove bigger seeds if any. Tender seeds are ok to have.
  • Take tamarind, green chillis in a mixer jar, grind to smooth paste adding water as required.
  • Transfer to a vessel, add enough water to dilute. This drink should not be too thick, instead it should be runny.
  • Add salt, asafoetida & boil well. Switch off the stove.
  • Prepare a seasoning of mustard, cumin, pinch of asafoetida & curry leaves in oil. On spluttering, add to appe huli. Serve hot & flavorful saaru to drink.
Raw tamarind stew

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