Schezwan Chutney : A tantalizing experience
Read this article and dive into the fiery magic of schezwan chutney which will tantalize your taste buds.
Schezwan Chutney: A way to elevate your culinary experience
Most of us have probably heard the term schezwan or schezwan chutney, and must have tasted it at some point. You have probably eaten something that is schezwan flavoured or have come across the term of schezwan. Have you ever stopped and wondered what it really is? Where does schezwan come from? How is this delicious concoction even made?
Most of us would not have the answers to these questions, and yet whenever we are asked which sauces we consider essential in our individual kitchens, schezwan chutney would surely make the list.
If you have ever had schezwan, you know that it is fiercely spicy with a hint of sweetness. It is typically served with dumplings or as a dipping sauce with appetisers. Somehow along the years, schezwan has become essential for us. I mean ... No complaints!
Yet it is important to learn about the history and origin of this dish.
THE MAKING OF SCHEZWAN CHUTNEY
Schezwan chutney derives its distinctive flavour from Sichuan pepper, although these "peppercorns" are not peppers. Unlike the red chilies commonly found in Sichuan cuisine. These petite orbs are the berries of the prickly ash tree, belonging to the citrus family. Harvested just once a year during late summer, these tiny, bumpy fruits are meticulously plucked by hand from the thorny branches and left to dry naturally under the sun's warmth.
During the drying process, the berries unfurl into a unique floral shape, earning the spice its local moniker, hua jiao, or "flower pepper." Once the dried husks split open, revealing their small black seeds—bitter and unsuitable for consumption—the fragrant peppercorns undergo meticulous hand-processing to ensure the removal of thorns, seeds, and twigs. It's a labor-intensive endeavour, but one undertaken with evident dedication and affection.
These Berries are mixed with several ingredients like sesame oil, garlic, salt, celery, onion, pepper and ketchup. The schezwan chutney that we make is made with quality ingredients and can ensure a clean and delicious tasting chutney that will satiate all your cravings.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SCHEZWAN CHUTNEY AND SAUCE
While Schezwan Chutney and Schezwan Sauce may appear similar at first glance, subtle distinctions set them apart. Schezwan Chutney boasts a thick, coarse texture and an intense spiciness, whereas Schezwan Sauce is characterized by its thin, smooth consistency with a tangy note alongside the heat. Visually, Schezwan Chutney presents a deep, dark, red hue with a dense composition, whereas Schezwan Sauce exhibits a lighter shade of red with a liquid-like texture.
In terms of usage, Schezwan Sauce predominantly serves as an ingredient in cooking, adding depth and flavour to dishes. On the other hand, Schezwan Chutney is versatile, functioning both as an ingredient and as a standalone accompaniment, enhancing the overall dining experience with its bold flavours.
Uses of Schezwan Chutney
Schezwan chutney is a highly versatile ingredient and can be put to many uses. There are several schezwan chutneys available in the market today. Choosing the right one is crucial to getting the right flavour in your dish. We make an amazing schezwan chutney, which is packed with spice and is bound to elevate your dining experience.
Conventionally, schezwan chutney is used either as a dipping chutney or as an ingredient in dishes. It is a popular ingredient for Indo-Chinese cooking.
You should also try some of these dishes :
Poonjiaji's Chinese Bhel:
Poonjiaji's Chinese bhel is a ready to eat Chinese bhel. It is super easy to make. It does not take more than 30 seconds to prepare, which is the closest to instant you can get! It is also presented in a perfect travel-friendly box, which makes it possible to carry around everywhere, whether it’s in a bag or you just want a commute-friendly snack!
How you prepare this is by tearing open the packet of friend bhel that’s given the pack and emptying it in the box, opening the packet of chutney that’s given in the same package, pouring the chutney over the friend bhel, shutting the lid and shaking the package for a few seconds until you are satisfied!
Once you open the lid after shaking it, your delectable Chinese bhel should be ready!
Schezwan Poha:
Poha is a typical Indian dish of flattened rice that is cooked with masalas to make a hearty and delicious breakfast or snack. Adding schezwan to this dish can add spice and elevate the flavours of this dish. I would recommend pairing this with a cold coffee to satisfy all your sweet and spicy cravings.
Schezwan Idli:
Idli is a dish that is made by steaming fermented rice paste. Schezwan idli is a great dish to make when you have leftover idlis from your meals. It is fairly simple to make and hardly takes a few minutes. All it requires is chopping up the idlis and tossing it in a pan with some schezwan chutney.
Schezwan Noodle Dosa:
Dosa is also made with fermented rice paste. You can add noodles and schezwan chutney to your dosa to make a delicious meal that will definitely make its way to your heart!
Schezwan Dal Pakwaan:
Dal Pakwan is a filling, satisfying and delicious popular Sindhi breakfast. It is basically chana dal (Bengal gram) curry served with crispy fried Indian flatbread called Pakwan. Adding schezwan chutney will add a kick of spice to this dish turning it something that you cannot resist. Just add schezwan chutney to your dal pakwaan to make it schezwan dal pakwaan.
As an ingredient and as a standalone accompaniment, enhancing the overall dining experience with its bold flavors.
Schezwan Fried Rice :
Schezwan fried rice is a flavorful and spicy variation of the classic fried rice dish. Renowned for its bold and aromatic flavors.Schezwan fried combines cooked rice with a spicy Schezwan sauce and a colorful assortment of vegetables and protein. This fusion dish has gained popularity both in China and around the world for its bold taste and vibrant presentation.
Schezwan Grilled Chicken :
Schezwan grilled chicken is a mouthwatering fusion dish that combines the bold flavors of Schezwan cuisine with the succulent tenderness of grilled chicken.Schezwan cuisine is renowned for its fiery spices and aromatic seasonings. Schezwan grilled chicken is made by marinating tender chicken pieces in a flavorful blend of Schezwan chutney, yogurt, and spices before grilling them to perfection. The result is a tantalizing dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its spicy, smoky flavors and juicy texture.
Schezwan chutney showcases the magic of blending flavours and bringing people together across cultures. Its journey from the humble kitchens of Sichuan, China, to becoming a global sensation is a testament to its ability to transcend boundaries. Whether it's adding a fiery kick to traditional Chinese recipes, infusing Indo-Chinese dishes with its bold taste, or serving as a zesty dip for nuggets, Schezwan sauce sparks an adventurous journey for food lovers worldwide. Its spicy charm continues to captivate taste buds, inviting everyone to embark on a unique culinary adventure filled with excitement and flavour.
If you want to experience the magic of schezwan chutney in its truest form then you should definitely try our schezwan chutney or our chinese bhel! What are you waiting for ……Shop Now!
