USIRI KARAM PODI

Usri Karam Podi is an amazing spice mix powder made with Amla (Indian Gooseberry), dry red chillies, coriander seeds and garlic blended together. This spice mix powder is generally mixed with rice and ghee and eaten or can be had with idli and ghee. The Usri Karam Podi is spicy, garlicky and nutty to taste.

Usri is commonly known by various name such as Indian Gooseberry in English, Amalak in Sanskrit, Amla in Hindi, Usirikaaya in Telugu, Nellikaya in Tamil etc. It is found along the Nepal region and also in India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, South China and South East Asia. It is an excellent fruit that is slightly sour, bitter, astringent to taste. It is quite fibrous too. As the Usri is sour, the people of India use in making a variety of pickles etc. Fresh amla fruit is also used in make chutneys and relishes in India. They also soak in salt water and turmeric to make it palatable.

The taste of this spice mix powder is very versatile and loved by all. The fresh amla fruit is just washed and eaten just like that with some salt. Amla pickle can be prepared in various ways with different spices. Amla Pickle is a tangy and spicy South Indian condiment. The fruit is very nourishing and tastes sour. Both dried and fresh fruits can be used. Amla pickle is a Andhra special recipe very easy to prepare at home and can be stored for a year. Amla is said to be very good for digestion. Indian gooseberry or Amla is also being used in the prevention and cure of diabetes. Amla is a rich source of Vitamin C and has many uses in Ayurvedic medicines.

Amla has become an important part in most of the ayurveda medicine as it has cooling, diuretic and laxative properties. It has antibacterial, cardio-tonic, antiviral, and has resistance building properties. It’s antibacterial and astringent properties, help in preventing infection and helps in the healing of ulcers, and hyper acidity. It is antispasmodic, and has a mild stimulant action on the heart and helps in lowering cholesterol. It is also used along with several other herbs as an ayurvedic tonic. It contains many minerals and vitamins like Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Carotene and Vitamin B Complex.

Amla is also a powerful antioxidant agent. Antioxidant agents prevent and repair such damages. Vitamin C is a good antioxidant agent and so is Gooseberry. Amla is used in many hair tonics as it enriches hair growth and hair pigmentation. It strengthens roots of hair, maintains color and luster. Eating fresh fruit or applying its paste on hair roots improves hair growth and color. Amla oil is very popular in India as it serves as a very good hair growth booster thereby preventing hair loss.

Gooseberry contains chromium. It has a therapeutic value in diabetics. Indian Gooseberry or Amla stimulate the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin. Thus it reduces blood sugar in diabetic patient. Gooseberry strengthens heart muscles. So heart pumps blood flawless throughout the body. Do try this recipe and enjoy the goodness of Usri/ Amla, red chillies, garlic etc. Amla is a seasonal fruit hence buy when you get them and make it fresh. Just go down below and watch the making of Usri Karam Podi.

For more scrumptious and appetizing recipes, click on: www.vahrehvah.com

Enjoy Cooking and always remember that: “VahrehVah is all about inspiring others to cook”!