Chandra Mandal – Raisin Chutney

 Navaratri Series – Day 3 

Chandraghanta Devi — the third form of Goddess Durga, known for her bravery, courage, and calm nature.

She rides a tiger and wears a half-moon (chandra) shaped like a bell (ghanta) on her forehead. Worshipping her removes fears and brings peace. 🙏

Today’s naivedyam is Chandra Mandal – Temple Special Raisin Chutney 💛

A rare Navaratri delicacy from Sree Venkatramana Temple, Thayyil, Kannur, made with soaked raisins to balance sweetness, tang, and spice. 😋❤️

This special recipe was lovingly passed down from my mother-in-law and adds a personal, festive touch to the offering. 🙏❤️

Ingredients

Grated coconut – 1 tbsp

Red chillies – 2-3

Green chillies. – 4-5

Tamarind. – 1 lime-sized ball

Jaggery – 2tbsp 

Coriander leaves -1bunch 

Salt – to taste

Raisins (kismiss) – 15 to 20

Oil – for tempering

Mustard seeds – ½ tsp

Curry leaves – few

Method

Soak raisins and tamarind in hot water for 15 minutes. In a mixie jar, crush green chillies and red chillies first.

Add coriander leaves and pulse for a few seconds. Add grated coconut and grind again.

Finally, add the soaked raisins, tamarind, and little water, grind into smooth paste.

Heat oil in a kadai, splutter mustard seeds, add curry leaves and a few raisins, fry for a few seconds. Add the ground paste, mix well, and let it boil.

Add salt and jaggery powder, mix well and boil Simmer the mixture for 2–3 minutes, just until the raw taste goes and the flavours blend well.