Bhang ki chutney
Equipment
- blender
- frying pan
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Hemp seeds
- 1 bunch mint leaves
- 2-4 medium green chilli I used serrano peppers.
- pink salt as required for taste.
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
Instructions
- Add the hemp seeds on to a skillet and toast on medium heat, just till they look roasted. they do burn fast so keep an eye on them at all times.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Add this into the food processor with fresh mint leaves, salt , green chillies and lemon juice and blend into a smooth paste.
- Remove into a servig bowl and serve with fresh curdites especially daikon radish baton.
It was not a search that landed me with hemp seed, but a search for a piano accompanist for my daughter taking a music exam. The studio was hidden behind a sustainable hemp store. Interesting isn’t it.
My history and geography lessons taken a long long while ago taught me that hemp was a valuable material for fibre. Beyond that my exploration of hemp was practically zero. The little cards in that store and the two hours wait I had taught me so much beyond the psychoactive properties.
Hemp seeds and more.
As I expanded my research slowly, i gathered some key learnings.
- I learnt that hemp seeds form an integral part of the pahadi cuisine of Uttaranchal.
- Bhang, cannabis, marijuana are all names of the same plant – Cannabis
- The varieties used for rope and cloth production are different.
- The psychoactive element that makes these into weed is the least found in hemp which makes it useful as edible quality.
- The edible superfood hemp seed carrying all 20 amino acids and no hallucinating effects.
- Interestingly, Canvas was a word that originated from the word cannabis.
Bhang ki chutney
Popularly, bhang is the addictive tandai drink served during Holi. It was during my research to find how hemp seed is used that I came across and jotted down this bhang ki chutney recipe a long time ago. This is a popular dip and a condiment to the meals in the pahadi cuisine. Pahadi literally translates to the mountainous regions. The hemp seeds being high in protein and nutritionally superior forms the base in many properties around this region.
The addition of herbs to this chutney is totally up to you. Right now, my mint plants are in a happy mode so mint goes into this hemp seed chutney. You can absolutely swap it for coriander or dill leaves.
With chutneys as the theme from Priya Vijayakrishnan, there was no looking back from exploring the umteen varieties that we take for granted in Indian cuisine. We do have a chutney for every snack that we make and more for breakfasts. Swathy Malik and I decided to take the path less travelled and look for recipes that do not see much of the limelight. While I took the least trodden paths of Uttaranchal, Swaty is exploring her rout through some unique ingredients.
Hope you enjoy these unusual yet traditional recipes. Let me know how you would use hemp seeds so I can try out your ideas too.
Stay safe.
Interesting read about Hemp seeds ! In North India people make pakoras and thandai using bhang leaves during Holi. Your Bhang chutney using Hemp seeds sounds simple with minimal ingredients.
It is correct that Bhang during Holi is all about the leaves. but hemp is a super seed and a very good one. It is a very interesting recipe. Do give it a try when you find this seed.
I never had this chutney but heard many people make it during Holi time with pakoras, along with thandai. fresh mint must have added a refreshing punch to it. Wonderful share.
Seema the first time I came across bhang chutney was on the program Highway On My Plate where Rocky and Mayur explore different cuisines of India. Hemp seeds are widely used as add ons for smoothies, granola, cereals, energy bars, salads, etc. I’m so glad you were able to share a traditional chutney recipe.
I have only heard about this chutney but never tasted it. Would love to give it a try if I get the ingredients
What a unique chutney recipe! I have never had the opportunity to try out hemp seeds, though I have read a lot about them. Sounds absolutely fascinating and delicious!
Wow, a chutney recipe with hemp seeds, completely new and very interesting. Like reading about how you landed up making this.
Interesting recipe using hemp seeds Seema. I only knew about the drink made during Holi. This must be delicious with any snack.
Bhang chutney is absolutely new to me. So good know about hemp seeds. This chutney is so easy to make with minimal ingredients. Would love to try this sometime.
I have seen some smoothie recipes adding hemp seeds but never bothered to add it. Your write-up on hemp seeds gives a good insight into it. Nice and easy chutney recipe.
That is an interesting chutney with hemp seeds. Loved reading the history and how traditional this recipe is. Would love to try when I get hold of hemp seeds
Heard of bhang ki chutney but never tasted. Wonderful recipe. Bhang chutney with mint leaves definitely taste delectable. A must try recipe.
Ahaaaa a very nice traditional chutney recipe using hemp seeds seema !
I must try this recipe soon as I have hemp seeds in my pantry… mint here must be adding an amazing taste to the chutney.
Bhang ki chutney sound very interesting, never tasted and heard about hemp seeds. Thanks for introducing me to this nutrition seeds. Will check these hemp seeds here..
Good lord! hemp is Bhang?? I must thank you Seema somehow never connected the dots. This minty bhang chutney sound yum. Maybe I can tempt the friends for Holi saying it is bhang ki chutney! 😀
Ooo laaaalaa…. bhaang chutney … never ever dreamt that hemp seeds being used in chutneys… this recipe is really interesting and I love how diverse our Indian cuisine ..
Sounds good 🙂 Does it matter of the hemp seeds are shelled? Mine do not have shells, worried about burning them. Thanks!
Understand your concern. In fact, I have used the seeds that have been dehusked as well. Keep on a very low heat and roast slightly, keep mixing and don’t leave it at all. It should not get burned then.