Cucumber Chutney or Sasmi/Sasive is a traditional chutney recipe preparation made in the coastal town of Udupi, in the South Indian state of Karnataka. Sasmi is made with a variety of vegetables, cucumber being one of the most popular one.
The other popular choices are Sasmi/Sasive are Beetroots, Pineapples and Mangoes.
What is a chutney?
The term chutney comes from the East Indian “chatni “, meaning “strongly spiced”.
It is described as a condiment which usually consists of a mix of chopped fruits or vegetables, tamarind, spices and sugar added occasionally to be cooked into a chunky spread.
Herbs like mint, coriander, curry leaves are also added to the chutneys to make them flavorful.
What are the ingredients in Cucumber chutney/Southekayi Sasmi?
Most of the curries/chutneys from this South Indian state has a coconut base because they grow in plenty here. It adds to the flavor of any recipe and gives that authentic seal of approval.
Some of the other ingredients used in this recipe as a base, apart from cucumber /southekayi are:
- coconut
- dry red chilies
- tamarind
- mustard seeds
When mangoes are used in this recipe, skip the tamarind since the flavors don’t blend well .
What is Udupi cuisine?
Udupi recipes are globally famous for their Satvik vegetarian recipes.
Udupi cuisine comprises dishes made primarily from grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits. The variety and range of dishes is wide, and a hallmark of the cuisine involves the use of locally available ingredients.
Udupi cuisine has its origin in the Tulu Ashta Mathas of Udupi founded by Madhvacharya.
List of my Udupi recipes
This recipe can be added to the list of my authentic Udupi recipes, which are listed below.
- Tamarind Poha/Huli Avalakki
- Tomato Rasam (Udupi style)
- Radish Leaves Rasam/Saaru
- Cucumber Chutney/Southekayi Sasmi
The Back Story
Our temperatures are hitting the 80’s now, clearly indicating summer is around the corner. Colorful, juicy, healthy and crunchy summer veggies are filling up the fresh farm stands and aisles.
Our bodies naturally crave for refreshment during warmer months, what better way than to include these vegetables in our cooking this season.
Do you know what is in season each month? Did you know you can make your grocery shopping a breeze and save dollars while shopping if you know exactly what to buy and what is in season each month?
Here is my E-Book : The 12 Monthly Seasonal Produce Guides, with a list of vegetables and fruits available each month. My E-Book will help you shop smart & budget wise for the entire year.
It is nourishing, healthy & economical to use these seasonal veggies in our recipes !
Cucumber Sasmi is my choice dish for today!
Cucumber Chutney/Southekayi Sasmi Recipe
Cucumber Chutney/Southekayi Sasmi
10
minutes10
minutes365
kcal20
minutesIngredients
1 1 Cucumber medium size
1 cup 1 Coconut shredded fresh
1/4 tsp 1/4 Tamarind paste
3 3 -4 Dry red Chilies
Salt to taste
- For Tempering/Seasoning
1 tsp 1 Coconut Oil
1 1 Dry red Chilies
1/4 tsp 1/4 Mustard seeds
A sprig Curry Leaves
Directions
- Wash the cucumber under running water & finely slice into thin pieces after cutting off both the ends.
- Add the coconut, tamarind, red chilies and blend it into a smooth paste. To this add the cucumber slices, with a little salt to taste .
- Next warm a little coconut oil, add the seasoning ingredients one by one. wait till the mustard seeds popping & remove from fire.
- Top the chutney with the seasoning. Serve with idli, Dosa, any lentil based fritters or hot steaming rice.
Notes
- If using Mangoes for this recipe, avoid the tamarind paste as the Sasmi turns bitter.
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per ServingCalories365
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 32g 50%
- Saturated Fat 28g 140%
- Sodium 23mg 1%
- Potassium 693mg 20%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g 7%
- Dietary Fiber 9g 36%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 5g 10%
- Vitamin A 4%
- Vitamin C 15%
- Calcium 5%
- Iron 17%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
What can you pair this Cucumber chutney with?
- Idli
- Dosa
- Lentil based fritters
- Piping hot Rice
You can also pair the above with chutneys like
- Tomato chutney
- Red Bell Pepper Tomato chutney
- Green Bell Pepper Chutney
- Carrot chutney
- Cabbage chutney
- Celery chutney
- Apple chutney
- Bell pepper coconut chutney
- Radish chutney
- Cucumber chutney
Chutney’s are used as sides along most breakfast items in a South Indian meal, they also pair well with lentil based fritters.
List of my recipes using Cucumber
- Cucumber Pancakes/Thekkarae Dosa
- Baked Cucumber Cake/ Thekkare Adde (Mangalorean style)
- Mango Cucumber salsa
- Cucumber chutney/Southekayi Sasmi
The Bottom Line
How often have you enjoyed chutneys with your breakfast or lunch menu? Would you give this cool cucumber chutney a try this summer?
Share your feedback in the comments below.