Amla (Gooseberry) Preserve with Raisins and Cashew Nuts

During our recent visit to Mumbai, I tasted this wonderful Preserve at my brother's place and really relished it. So, naturally I had to have the recipe.

(He called it “Awla Lacha”. I have changed the name to Amla Preserve). What’s in a name anyway? ! It tastes fantastic either way !

My better-half got the Amlas and I made it immediately - not once but twice (prepared after two days again) since it was consumed in no time ! Everybody loved it and since Amlas have immense health benefits and are packed with Vitamin C, you don’t feel guilty of consuming it. Generally, taste and health don’t go hand-in-hand but this one does!

Next time however, I would like to try this same recipe substituting jaggery (molasses) for sugar and make it still healthier!

Chutney prepared from Amla also tastes good. I have already posted the recipe. In case anyone of you are interested, you can see it here.

 

 

 

Ingredients

Amla/Gooseberry  (grated)	1 cup
Sugar	1 cup
Water	1 cup
Red Chilly powder	¼ tsp
Black pepper powder	¼ tsp
Garam masala	¼ tsp
Rock salt (Kala Namak)	½ tsp
Cumin (jeera) powder	½ tsp
Turmeric (haldi) powder	¼ tsp
Salt	As per taste
Raisins (cleaned and washed)	1 tbsp
Cashew nut pieces	1 tbsp

Method:

Ingredients - kept ready

1. Keep all the above mentioned ingredients ready.
2. Heat a pan preferably a non-stick one. Add water, grated amla (gooseberry) and sugar.
3. Mix well. And keep it on a medium heat.
4. Add rest of the ingredients (except raisins and cashew nuts).
5. Allow it to boil. Lower the flame and let it cook till it forms single string syrup and glazy.   This should take about 25 - 30 mins.
6. At this stage, add the raisins and cashew nut pieces. Cook it for another 2 minutes. Remove from flame. Let it cool.
7. When cooled, store it in an air-tight glass jar at room temperature.

Water, grated Amla and sugar being boiled

Added all the masalas

Has become glazy with one string syrup after 25 mins

 raisins and cashew nut pieces added

Done

Preparation time: 15-20mins

Cooking time: 25-30mins

Note:

• Needs no refrigeration and can last for a year.
• This quantity fills a 250-300 gm glass jar/bottle.
• It goes well with chapattis or as a sandwich spread.

For more on health benefits of Amla: 

http://www.indiaparenting.com/health/324_2115/benefits-of-amla.html

http://realityviews.blogspot.in/2011/10/know-50-health-benefits-of-amla-know.html