Manathakkali Vathal

Manathakkali Vathal

Tamil: மணத்தக்காளி வற்றல் (Manathakkali Vathal) | Telugu: కామంచి వడియాలు (Kamanchi Vadiyalu) | Malayalam: മണത്തക്കാളി കൊണ്ടാട്ടം (Manathakkali Kondattam) | Kannada: ಗಣಿಕೆ ಸಂಡಿಗೆ (Ganike Sandige) | Hindi: सूखी मकोय (Sukhi Makoy)

Manathakali Vathal is a south Indian sun dried item, which is made from the tiny and tangy manattakali berries or black nightshade. The cleaned, salted, sun-dried berries in a time-honored tradition that has been handed down through generations. The end product is a tasty ingredient that adds the authentic flavor and depth to any South Indian recipe with convenience. Manathakali Vathal is a very traditional and popular ingredient in Tamil homes that is also widely used in Telugu, Malayalam & Kannada cuisines for its unique flavor and easy use.

These dried berries have a flavor all their own—tart with just the right amount of bitterness and an absolute delight when toasted in fat. When sauted / roasted with oil, Manathakali Vathal becomes fragrant and crispy. It is commonly used in authentic gravies such as vathal kulambu made using tamarind so that the berries soak up the tangy flavour of tamarind sauce & give off its distinct earthy flavor. These flavors of this duet make a delightful and well loved dish passed down from generation to generation.

Manathakali Vathal is loved for its sheer simplicity and adaptability. Since the dried berries are sun-dried and no preservatives can be found, original taste is kept for a long time. That it is vegan and gluten free as a naturally occuring product does not matter when prepping your meals. You use only a bit at a time: Its flavor is so potent, all the rest of the flavors you have cooking or baking with it would be drowned out. Whether used as a flavoring element or in the starring role of a curry, these Manathakali Vathal lends depth and tradition to home-cooked dishes.

Besides this is generally fried up to serve as crispy accompaniment for rice and also used in gravies. It is also used in sambar, rasam and some poriyal variants to get a traditional taste to the everyday meal. Many households make vathal at home to relish the traditional taste during off-season - when fresh berries are not available. Manathakali is called Black Night Shade in English and its dried form are popularly known as Manathakali Vathal available online.

Culinary Uses of Manathakali Vathal

Following are some of the most common culinary uses for this beloved traditional ingredient:

Manathakali Vathal Kulambu: Popular South Indian tamarind & water based gravy in which fried vathal adds punch to the tangy, spicy and fragrant flavor of this tasty dish.

Crispy Fried Manathakali Vathal: Deep fry the berries and serve as a crunchy side for steamed rice, curd rice, or sambar rice.

Vathal Sambar: Sambar palya or Sambar vathal: Add fried vathal to sambar for better texture and it introduces a typical tangy taste too.

Poriyal and Rice Seasoning: Crushed or whole vathals can also be thrown in during tempering to give a warm, earthy flavor to your vegetable stir-fries or flavored rice dishes.

Homemade Spice Mix Additions: They could also be added while grinding home-made masalas to enhance the flavour and taste of gravies/curries.

Storage Tips

Keep Manathakali Vathal in an air tight container in a cool and dry place. Store away from moisture to retain its crisp texture and natural flavor. Under proper storage conditions, it remains fresh and flavorful for long.

A Traditional Delight with Authentic Flavor

Imagine the taste of South India and try manathakali vathal. It is uniquely flavored, has a lengthy shelf life and is simple to use; three reasons enough why it should be an indispensable compound in just about any kitchen. Whether replicating your family’s favorite kulambu, or ordering local recipes online, this dried berry brings the authentic and comforting taste in every dish. Manathakali Vathal is an easy to do traditional side dish that works great for your any day meal or during festivity!

Note:

This product is a natural food grain and not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.

Traditional South Indian Ingredient: Used in all typical home style cooking, like kuzhambu & traditional gravy.

Naturally Sun-Dried: Made the Traditional Way which Keeps in its Natural Flavour.

Unique Flavor Enhancer: Provides a unique, moderately tart flavour for everyday cooking.

Convenient to Cook: Crush and fry or toss into food during cooking.

Supports Homemade Recipes: A good ingredient for people who like to taste classic South Indian flavors in the comfort of their homes.

Versatile Culinary Use: Excellent for gravies, fried sides & comfort foods.

Long Shelf Life: Sun-Dried Jaggery is better Quality when kept at right place.