Coconut Chutney

Speaking of coconuts, when I went to Chennai last year, one day my mother in law and I went touring the streets in a rickshaw checking out local vendors. We had stopped by a coconut vendor where the guy was selling young coconuts. This is the first time I saw young coconuts, and I thought they were a different type of coconut because I am used to seeing coconuts in their rough, brown shelled states. In actuality though, there is only one type of coconut plant, and these large greens ones were basically unripened coconuts.

The vendor guy cut a small hole in one, stuck a straw in it and gave it to us to drink. It's coconutty water was so sweet and buttery and refreshing. We then proceeded to eat its flesh, which was also buttery and silky and extremely soft. Not at all like a brown coconuts' flesh; which is harder and more textured. I didnt have my camera with me then so heres a google image of young coconuts.

During my stay in Chennai, almost every morning I would have coconut chutney accompaniment with my breakfast. This chutney is traditionally served with dosa and idly, vada, upma, utappam, and pongal- recipes which I will be adding soon :)

There is no real cooking involved in making this chutney.

Typically freshly grated coconut is used but its absoultey fine if you don't have coconuts lying around, packaged unsweetneded shredded coconut is great too.

Ingredients:
Makes about 3/4 cup chutney

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
2 tblsp roasted dalia (roasted split bengal gram)
1 tblsp cashew pieces
1/8 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1/2 inch green chili chopped
1 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, roasted
2 tbsp fresh tamarind juice
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp garlic paste
salt

Seasonings:
2 tsps rye
2 small dried red chilis
1 tsp oil

Combine coconut, dalia, cashews, cilantro, green chilis, cumin seeds, tamarind juice, ginger and garlic paste and salt and a little water. Grind until just smooth. Pour into small serving bowl. Heat oil in small pan. Add rye and red chilis. Wait until rye begins to crackle. Take off heat and pour this over chutney. Mix chutney and serve.