Andhra Gongura Pachadi Recipe – Andhra Style Sorrel Leaves Chutney

Andhra Gongura Pachadi or this Andhra style chutney made of sorrel leaves an authentic delicacy typical to Telugu cuisine. It is an important part of every festive meal or feast. Although these leaves are called different names in different regions, the nutritional properties of sorrel leaves remain constant.  Dry Red Chillies, Coriander (Dhania) Seeds, Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds), Sorrel Leaves (Gongura), Sesame (Gingelly) Oil, Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu), Black Urad Dal (Split), Dry Red Chillies, Garlic   Ingredients to roast 10 Dry Red Chillies , adjust according to your taste 2 tablespoons Coriander (Dhania) Seeds 1/2 teaspoon Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) 300 grams Sorrel Leaves (Gongura) For seasoning 2 tablespoons Sesame (Gingelly) Oil 1/2 teaspoon Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) 1 teaspoon Black Urad Dal (Split) 2 to 3 Dry Red Chillies 3 to 4 cloves Garlic , crushed (optional)     10   15     To begin making the Andhra Gongura Pachadi, first pick the sorrel/ gongura leaves from the stems, wash them thoroughly, dry it with a kitchen towel. Once dry, chop the gongura leaves and keep aside.Next, heat a pan over a medium heat and roast the dry red chillies, coriander seeds and fenugreek seeds until they are light brown, aromatic and toasted. Take care not to burn themTransfer them into a plate and set them aside to cool. Use as many or as few red chillies as you need, depending on the quality of the chillies and your desired spice levels. Once cooled, add them to a mixer grinder and make a smooth powder.In the same pan; heat oil until warm; add the mustard seeds, urad dal and red chillies and allow it to crackle and the dal to turn golden brown and crisp.Stir in the crushed garlic and saute for a few seconds until you can smell the aroma coming through. Once once, add the chopped gongura leaves, salt to taste and the ground powder.Keep stirring until the Gongura leaves become soft; it will take less than a minute. Check the taste and adjust the salt and chilli accordingly.You will also notice the Gongura Pachadi coming away from the sides of the pan and there will be a little oil residue.This is when the Gongura Pachadi is done, turn off heat and serve.You can store the Gongura Pachadi in the refrigerator for a week and serve it along with Dosa, Idli, Cheela, Adai, Pesarattu or simply along with hot steamed rice and ghee.