Patal ki chutney recipe: As soon as the cold season arrives in Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, a desi taste makes its special place in every home and every plate. The name is Patal ki Chutney. This is not a common chutney, but the traditional identity of Surguja, which takes full care of taste as well as health. As the cold increases, the demand for this chutney also increases. In the tribal society, Patal chutney is especially served in the winter food. Local people believe that this chutney keeps the body warm from inside and helps in protecting from cold winds.
Desi journey of Patal ki Chutney
Local expert Sikandar Prajapati tells that Patal ki chutney starts directly from the bari (vegetable garden). First of all, fresh, ripe tomatoes are plucked. After this these tomatoes are thrown directly into the burning fire.
By cooking in fire, the upper layer of tomatoes gets roasted well, due to which they get a distinct aroma and local taste of smoke. This taste makes this chutney special.
Unique technique of cooking under ash
In many places, tomatoes are cooked not directly in the fire, but by pressing them under the ashes of Gorsi. Due to the heat of the wood burning below, the tomatoes slowly ripen from inside. When the tomatoes become completely soft, they are taken out, washed with water and cooled.
The real taste comes only after grinding silbatta.
After cooling, the tomatoes are ground in a mortar and pestle. Coriander leaves, ginger and green chillies are added to it. It is the grinding done by hands, not by machine, that gives Patal ki Chutney its real desi taste. This thick gravy like chutney is known simply as “chutney” in villages.
Why is Patal ki Chutney special in winter?
Sikandar Prajapati explains that the nature of tomatoes and spices cooked in fire is hot. Consuming it in winter keeps the body warm. This is the reason why Patal ki Chutney becomes the pride of Surguja’s plate during the cold season.
The taste is such that once you eat it, you will become a fan.
The taste of tomatoes cooked in fire and ashes is so special that whoever eats it definitely asks for it again. This is the reason why this chutney is made in every house during winters and even today people are following this tradition that has been going on for generations with full pride.
