Avu chutney (Karnataka)

Ingredients:

1. Cucumber - 1 or 2 small
2. Thick tamarind extract - 2 tsp
3. Oil - 1 tsp
4. Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp

Grind together:

1. Grated fresh coconut - 2 tbsp
2. Roasted gram - 1 tbsp (level)
3. Green chillies - 1 or 2
4. Red chillies - 2
5. Asafoetida - a pinch
6. Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp
7. Salt - to taste
8. Jaggery - little
9. Turmeric powder - a pinch
10. Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Preparation:

• Scrape outer skin and slice the cucumber into thin 1 1/2 inch long pieces
• Grind the ingredients mentioned to smooth paste with minimum water possible
• Mix tamarind extract after grinding
• Just before serving mix sliced cucumber
• Heat oil, add mustard seeds to cracle and add it to the chutney

You can use grated carrot or finely chopped tender snake gourd instead of cucumber. Also, finely diced tomatoes with reduced tamarind can be substituted for the cucumber.