What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear Indian food? It has to be the spicy kick that is infused in almost all Indian dishes. India is known for its spicy food. Indian food tastes almost bland without the perfect mix of spicy chilli.
Since all of your dishes need a dash of chilli powder, you need to make sure that you're using the correct one. Most packaged chilli powders usually contain artificial flavours and colours. If you want the most benefit out of your chilli intake, both taste-wise and health-wise, you should opt for organic variations of chilli.
One such variation is Sankeshwari Chilli. It is a lesser-known variation but equally, or even more, effective. In this blog, we'll talk about where Sankeshwari chilli comes from, its benefits, and how you can use it.
Origin of Sankeshwari Chilli
Sankeshwari Chilli originates from Sankeshwar in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. It is a staple spice used in Konkan foods. It has also been in use in states like Goa and Karnataka. But it is most widely used in Maharashtrian cuisine.
It is grown using a natural and traditional method. Farmers use heirloom seeds to grow this organically. These seeds are known to be passed down through generations. The method of its growth helps in soil conservation and preservation.
The colour of this chilli is bright red. And because it is entirely organic, no food colours, pesticides, or additives are used to produce a bright colour or a pungent taste. It is very versatile and provides an instant, fiery flavour.
You can make various dishes with this item. Not only that, but organic chilies also have some health benefits. It is usually sold in powder form, which comes from dried red Sankeshwari chilli.
What are the Health Benefits of Sankeshwari Chilli?
Organically produced chilli or chilli powders have various benefits. Being one of them, Sankeshwar chilli also has certain health benefits.
Organic chillies have certain compounds that may have biological benefits, which are:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Anti-oxidant activity
- It may lower blood sugar
- May regulate cholesterol
- It may act as an anticoagulant
- It may have antihelmintic properties
- It may help with healing wounds
How You Can Use Sankeshwari Chilli
Apart from adding it to your daily foods and recipes, you can use this chilli to make pickles and masalas. We need both of these items in our day-to-day cooking. And what is better than being able to make them at home? Let us take a look at how you can do so:
Masalas
We spend so much on spices, mainly because we need a lot of them in our dishes. But wouldn't it be great if we could just make a batch and contain it? All you need is a few whole spices and a dash of Sankeshwari chilli.
Grind it all together in a mixer or using a hand grinder, like our grandmothers did, for the tastiest outcome. Now, all you need to do is add this mixture to the curry and enjoy.
Pickles
Pickles are made in almost all Indian households. Along with the usual ingredients used in making pickles, add a splash of this chilli and see the magic. You can also add it to sweet achars. It adds a beautiful spice to the sweet and tangy flavour of achar. It instantly elevates the heat quotient in your achar without burning your mouth.
In a Nutshell
Now that you know how organic chilli can change your spice palette, you should replace it with the usual chilli powder that you use in your food. It gives a wholesome taste and a finishing touch to your recipes. And it is incredibly versatile. You can literally add it to all dishes! So, it is definitely worth your money.
We hope this blog was helpful. Thank you for your time.
