Amla Sabji (Indian Gooseberry Curry)

I still remember those childhood days when my mother used to soak gooseberries in salted turmeric water for 2 to 3 days after pricking them with a fork. I loved eating these tangy berries soaked in turmeric water during summers.

She used to make chutneys and curries when Amla (Indian Gooseberry) was available fresh in the market. In off season, we used to take in the form of pickles and Murabba.

Here is a simple recipe to prepare sabji by cooking whole Amla and green chilies with spices.

Ingredients:

• ½ pound Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• ¼ tsp asafetida
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
• 5-6 green chilies chopped
• Salt to taste
• 3 tbsp cooking oil

Method:

• Heat oil in a skillet or pan over a medium flame.
• Add cumin seeds and allow them to splutter. Add asafetida, then stir in Amla and chopped green chilies.
• Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir well.
• Cook covered for some time, stirring occasionally, until the Amla are just tender. Add little water if required.
• sprinkle garam masala powder.
• Serve with dal and roti.

Do You Know?

• Gooseberry (Amla) is a gift of nature to mankind. It is an indispensable part of the Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicine.
• In Sanskrit, it is called Amalaki or Dhartriphala. It belongs to the family Euphorbiacaea and its scientific name is Emblica officinalis.
• It is basically sour but at times it is sweet and pungent also. It controls imbalance caused by wind, bile, and phlegm and is very effective in controlling digestive problems.
• It strengthens cardiac muscles, invigorates physical and mental facilities, improves eyesight, and imparts natural glow and luster to the body and hair.
• It is very useful in diarrhea and is diuretic in nature; its regular consumption leads to long life.
• Gooseberry is unique that the fruit does not leave its chemical ingredients even when heated on fire. Every single part of fruit rind, pulp, seed etc, is used for medicinal purpose. Indian gooseberry used as a valuable ingredient of various medicines is India and Middle East from time in memorial. This is considered the best of all acid fruits and most useful for health and treating diseases.
• Ancient sage Muni Chyavan rejuvenated himself in his 70's and regained virility by consuming gooseberry. Thus, Chyanprash is considered as a health rejuvenator.