Neer Nellikai-How to make Neer Nellikkai-Gooseberries in Salted water

Indian gooseberries know as amla in Hindi are exceptionally rich in vitamin C. It is a rich source of antioxidants which slows down  the ageing process and helps in improving the immunity. It has iron and other nutrients which increase the growth of hair.You can prepare amla oil at home (gooseberry oil). It helps in preventing hair fall. Now, it is gooseberry season in India. I got a bagful of gooseberries from my friend who has a big tree in her house. I did not want to waste it. I made gooseberry pickle, dried some, kept some aside for gooseberry rice and gooseberry pachadi and with the remaining gooseberries, I made neer nellikai. Today we will learn how to make neer nellikai following this easy recipe.

Boil enough water in a vessel, add salt and turmeric powder. When water starts boiling, add the gooseberries and cook for a few minutes or until it becomes soft. When you press the gooseberry with your thumb and index finger, it should open in segments. Do not cook more than that stage.

Leave it to cool. Then  transfer it into a clean sterilized bottle or ceramic pot and refrigerate.

You can make instant pickle from these gooseberries. Take 5-6 gooseberries, press and remove the seeds.   Heat a tsp of oil, add mustard seeds, when it splutters, add the gooseberry segments, needed chilli powder and saute for 2-3 seconds and switch it off. Add a pinch of roasted fenugreek powder.This instant pickle should be used on the same day. It goes well with curd rice.

You can use the water in which gooseberries are soaked to make Vitamin C rich buttermilk.

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