Words by Kaashvi Seth
As shared by Nitika @pahadipattal,"Aam chacha was a summer staple in our home. It was like ketchup while I was growing up - the taste was so good. We had it with Paratha, Dal chawal, and sometimes even with plain rice. It's a side dish, you know. In the Kangra region, people eat a lot of khatta (sour foods). During summer holidays at my nani's house and masi's place, they used to store this with paratha and roti. I have fond memories of coming back from school and finding this “thanda thanda chacha” waiting for me. I loved it with chapati. I used to enjoy it so much, eating it 'chaat chaat ke' (licking it clean).
Nitika shared that in Pahadi language, there's a saying: 'Badi garmi hai, thodha chacha khaa liye toh aaj lu nahi lagni.' It means if you eat this, then the chances of getting affected by heat are less, as you've taken all the precautions in this weather."
Nitika shared that aam chacha is more than just a tasty relish; it's a dish with several beneficial properties. In her community, it's believed to have a cooling effect on the body, making it a popular choice during the intense summer heat of the Kangra region. Its versatility allows it to pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from simple rice to heartier meals like dal chawal or parathas. One of its most practical qualities is its preservability, as families often prepare large batches that can be stored and enjoyed over time. Nitika fondly recalled coming home to a cool serving of aam chacha after a hot day at school, emphasizing its role as a revitalizing treat that brought comfort and relief during sweltering summer days.
"Nitika fondly recalled coming home to a cool serving of aam chacha after a hot day at school, emphasizing its role as a revitalizing treat that brought comfort and relief during sweltering summer days."
Aam Chacha: A tangy raw mango dish popular in the Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh, India. It's a summer staple and side dish, known for its sour (khatta) taste.
Ingredients:
- Raw mangoes
- White Salt
- Black Salt
- Sugar
- Fresh mint leaves
- Green Chilli
- Onion, finely chopped
Preparation:
- Peel and chop raw mangoes, mint leaves and green chilli
- Add white salt and black salt
- Grind it in a mixer, and add raw, finely chopped onions on top