White sesame seeds roasted and pounded with green chilli, garlic and ginger into a pungent daily condiment — the Garo version of sesame chutney used as a table condiment with every meal.
Ingredients
1/2 cup white sesame seeds (til)
4 to 5 fresh green chillies
4 garlic cloves
1 inch ginger — roughly chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp mustard oil
1 tsp lemon juice
2 tbsp water only if needed
Method
Dry-roast white sesame seeds in a pan stirring constantly for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Transfer immediately to a plate to cool.
Dry-roast green chillies in a dry pan or over a flame until blistered.
Dry-roast garlic until golden. Cool everything.
Grind cooled sesame seeds, roasted green chillies, garlic and ginger together in a blender or mortar to a coarse paste.
The sesame releases its natural oil.
Add salt, mustard oil and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly.
Taste — should be nutty, pungent, spicy and tangy. Adjust seasoning.
Serve alongside steamed rice, any Garo meat preparation or as a dip for boiled vegetables.