Introduction
Empty Salna is a famous South Indian side dish served with flaky Malabar Parotta, dosa, idli, and chapati. Despite its name, this flavorful gravy is packed with aromatic spices, herbs, and a rich coconut-based masala, making it a delicious accompaniment to many meals.
Ingredients for Grinding
- ⅓ cup coconut (sliced or grated)
- Few cashews or 1 tsp poppy seeds (soaked in water)
- ¼ tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2–4 shallots
- 1 green chilli
- Salt to taste
- 4–6 black peppercorns
- 1–2 tsp oil
Prepare the Coconut Masala
- Heat oil in a pan.
- Add fennel seeds, black pepper, green chilli, and shallots.
- Fry for about 2 minutes.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and coconut.
- Cook for a few more minutes.
- Add poppy seeds (or cashews) and salt.
- Continue sautéing without browning the ingredients.
- Allow the mixture to cool.
- Grind into a smooth paste using a little water.
Ingredients for Salna Gravy
- Oil
- ½ tsp fennel seeds
- ½ inch cinnamon stick
- 2–4 cloves
- Kalpasi (Dagad Phool), optional
- 2 cardamom pods
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1–2 onions, sliced
- 1–2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 3–4 green chillies
- Few mint leaves
- Coriander leaves
- Curry leaves
- 1–2 tsp chilli powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1–2 tsp meat curry powder
- 1 tsp besan mixed with water (slurry)
- Salt to taste
- Hot water as required
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan.
- Add fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, kalpasi, cardamom, and sliced onions.
- Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
- Add green chillies, ginger-garlic paste, and all the powdered spices.
- Cook for a few minutes.
- Add coriander leaves, mint leaves, and chopped tomatoes.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add the prepared coconut masala paste.
- Sauté until oil begins to separate.
- Add salt and hot water.
- Cover and simmer for a few minutes.
- Stir in the besan slurry.
- Continue simmering until the gravy reaches the desired consistency.
- Your delicious Empty Salna is ready.
- Serve hot over flaky Malabar Parottas.
Spice Level: 🌶🌶
