Product Description
PURPOSE
WHAT IS IT?
Commonly used in sweets in India, Chironji (Cheer-on-gee) is a slightly flattened seed, with an almond-like flavor.
They can also be ground into powders for thickening savory sauces, flavoring batters, or part of rich sauces, like Indian kormas.
The chironji seed is lentil-sized. A bit smaller than a pine nut. It can be eaten raw, or toasted for an even stronger nutty flavor.
Wildly popular throughout Asia, where almonds are far more rare, it goes by many, many names.
EXPERIENCE
The Chironji seed provides a nutty scent, and a flavor similar to an almond. It is most often complimented with sweet flavors, in desserts, or sweet chutneys. Texturally, it is as soft as a pine nut. Chironji provides vitamin B2, vitamin B1, vitamin C and niacin.
While they work well in sweets, and with meats, vegans, and vegetarians, should also take note of their thickening agents, along with their taste, and nutrition. They could be used where flax, or cashew, finds uses.
CULINARY GEOGRAPHY
HEALTH ADVISORY
TREE NUT ALLERGY ADVISORY – Chironji seeds may cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, for persons with allergies to cashews or general sensitivities to tree nuts. If you are cooking for people whose health histories you know well, and no one has a problem with tree nuts, it is not an issue. DO NOT use these for dishes for your guests if you do not know whether they have tree nut allergies.
TRADITIONAL USES
- Chironji ki dal
- Chironji & Makhane Ki Kheer
- Shrikhand
- Sweet Chutneys
IMPROVISATIONAL ‘RIFFS’
- Something new in a bread pudding;
- Tosca cake with a twist;
- Add to smoothies;
- Ground into a vanilla ice cream base
THE BACKSTORY
Chironji seeds come from a deciduous tree, cultivated across India, primarily in the Northwest. After the hard shell is cracked, the stubby seed within is revealed.
It is commonly used in sweeter dishes, desserts, or sweet chutneys. It is found in the dishes of popular Indian festivals, like Diwali.
AKA
- Charoli
- Charooli
- Chirolo
- Buchanania lanzan
- Piyal Seeds
- Charongi Nuts
- Cuddapa Almond
- Cuddapah Almond
- Achaar
- Baruda
- Priyala
- Charpoppu
- Mungapper
- Acar
- Ciraaunji
- Priyalam
- Rajadana
- Morala
- Morichettu
- Sara Chettu
- Lambo
- Mamuang Hua Maeg Wan
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