Sweet Sonth Chutney With Dates Recipes

SWEET SONTH CHUTNEY WITH DATES

Steps:

• 1. Prepare the cumin seeds. Soak the dates and tamarind pulp in 1 cup hot water, about 1 hour to soften.2. With clean fingers, mush the pulp to release it from the fibrous parts of the dates and to separate any tamarind seeds that may still be present. Then pass the softened date-tamarind pulp through a fine-mesh strainer or a food mill (I prefer the food mill, especially for large quantities) into a large bowl to extract a smooth paste. Pour the remaining hot water over the fibrous remains in the food mill and collect any remaining pulp and mix into the already extracted paste.3. Transfer to a small saucepan, add the sugar, cumin, and salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer about 5 minutes. Mix in up to 1 cup of water if the chutney thickens too quickly. Adjust the seasoning, then let cool. Serve at room temperature, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate about 2 months, or freeze about 1 year.From "1,000 Indian Recipes." Copyright 2002 by Neelam Batra. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

DATE & TAMARIND SAUCE (SONTH)

Steps:

• Break up the tamarind and dates and put them in a pan with the jaggery and enough water to cover them, about 500ml. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 mins or until the tamarind is really soft.
• Remove the pan from the heat and push the pulp through a sieve to remove any fibres. The sauce should be a coating consistency - add a little water if it is too thick.
• Stir in the ginger powder, garam masala and ground cumin. The sauce should taste sweet and tart - stir in a little more jaggery if it doesn't taste sweet enough. Chill before serving. Will keep in the fridge for three to four days.