Ugadi Pachadi

Ingredients

• - new year chutney mix
• - 2 tbsp oil
• - 1 tsp mustard seeds
• - 1/2 tsp urad dal
• - 2 dried red chillies
• - 1 sprig curry leaves
• - 1/4 cup fresh grated coconut
• - Salt to taste

Method

1. Prepare all 6 symbolic ingredients: Ugadi pachadi has 6 flavours representing life's different experiences. Prepare each: 1 tbsp neem flowers (bitter), 1 tbsp jaggery pieces (sweet), 1 tsp raw mango pieces (sour), half tsp tamarind paste (tangy), a pinch of salt (salty), 1 small green chilli minced (spicy).
2. Make tamarind water: Dissolve the tamarind paste in 2-3 tbsp water. Strain.
3. Prepare neem flowers: If using dried neem flowers, lightly toast in a dry pan for 30 seconds. If using fresh, use as-is.
4. Combine all ingredients: In a bowl mix together the neem flowers, jaggery pieces, raw mango pieces, tamarind water, salt and minced green chilli.
5. Add water: Add half cup water and mix well until the jaggery partially dissolves.
6. Taste all six flavours: Each should be distinct — bitter from neem, sweet from jaggery, sour from mango, tangy from tamarind, salty and spicy.
7. Add coconut: Add 2 tbsp fresh grated coconut for additional sweetness and texture (optional but traditional).
8. Adjust balance: Taste and adjust — each flavour should be present but no single flavour should overwhelm.
9. Mix gently: Stir one last time just before serving.
10. Serve: Ugadi pachadi is consumed in small amounts at the beginning of the Telugu New Year (Ugadi) festival. It symbolises that life is a combination of all experiences.