It’s impossible to imagine a world without Chillies, food would be so monotonous & we’d miss the menacing burn on our tongue every time we eat something spicy. For many of us eating spicy food is a thrill, it pumps up our adrenaline & somehow it turns out to be a rather pleasant experience. Chillies are one of the few ingredients that are omnipresent in almost every cuisine around the world.
The chilli pepper (chile, chile pepper, chilli pepper, or chilli), is the fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum which are members of the nightshade family, Solanaceae & is widely used in many cuisines as a spice to add heat to dishes. Capsaicin and related compounds known as capsaicinoids give them their characteristic “burn” or spiciness.
Capsicum fruits have been a part of human diets since about 7,500 BC, and are one of the oldest cultivated crops, as origins of cultivating chilli peppers are traced to east-central Mexico some 6,000 years ago. Previously alien to Asia, chilli peppers were introduced to the Asians by Portuguese traders, who – aware of its trade value and resemblance to the spiciness of black pepper promoted its commerce in the Asian spice trade routes. It was introduced in India by the Portuguese towards the end of the 15th century.
Apart from the spiciness Chillies also possess numerous health benefits, their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich properties make them a rather surprising addition to your healthy diets. They contain copper which is essential for strong bones & healthy neurons. Contrary to the popular belief, Chillies are actually anti-irritant for your stomach and are a great way to treat stomach ulcers & regular consumption ensures a healthy digestive system and aids in weight loss. Weight loss is aided by accelerating your metabolism, hence it’s recommended to include chillies in your diet if you’re looking to lose some weight.
Chilli peppers also present a potential natural remedy for fighting cancer. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, the capsaicin and antioxidants in chilli peppers can kill cancer cells in leukaemia and prostate cancer. This is largely due to the high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of chilli peppers. Chilli peppers can also be a great, natural way to support your cardiovascular system and prevent heart disease. Chilli peppers are high in potassium, which is a mineral with a number of functions in the human body.
It doesn’t matter where you come from, having a certain amount in your food is a common trait that all of us have & this is exactly why Chili peppers are cherished all across the world. With its surprising health benefits & menacing spice, this ingredient is near & dear to all!
Here’s a healthy & spicy Chilli Chammandi recipe that’ll leave you asking for more! Use only the best ingredients for your cooking, get fresh & pesticide-free Kanthari chillies delivered to your doorstep! Tap here to order now!
You will need:
- Five to Six, Kanthari Mulagu (Bird’s Eye Chilli).
- Ten Cheriya Ulli/ Shallots.
- A handful of Curry Leaves.
- Three tbsp of Coconut Oil.
- Salt to taste.
This Chamanthy goes really well with boiled tapioca! Tap here to get fresh & pesticide-free Tapioca delivered to your doorstep, only from Farmers Fresh Zone!
Let’s Cook!
1. In a mortar & pestle, crush the ingredients, namely, Chillies, Curry Leaves & Shallots. A coarse grind in a mixer grinder will do too!
2. Scoop out the mixture & place it in a small bowl. Add coconut oil & salt as per your taste and mix everything together.
3. Your Kanthari Mulagu Chamanthy is ready to eat!
Pair it up with steaming hot idlis, crispy Doshas or soft boiled Kappa! This Chamanthy will leave you gasping for breath & asking for more!