Chironji nuts
Lentil sized, pale, slightly falttened and almond flavored ‘Chironji nuts’ (چرونجي) (botanical name: Buchnan lanzan) (also known as chirolo or charooli or charoli or cudapah almond), are the kernels of a tree native to Southern Asia. These nuts are rich in sweet-oils and very expensive.
They are are usually pureed and added to kababs and qormas to impart a nutty flavor, volume and creaminess to the gravy. They are also sometimes dry-roasted and used as a garnish for some desserts and a few savory dishes. For appeal they are also used peeled. To peel the coverings of chironji, soak them in cool fresh water overnight at room temperature and the next day, rub away the skins in a kitchen towel. The peeled chironji nuts are lightly stir fried in oil and used as a garnish in desserts like Sheer Qurma. Look for Chironji nuts at Indian grocery stores. Store them in the freezer to preserve their flavor and for a long life.
Luv,
Mona
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December 17th, 2009 at 3:21 am
Love to add chironji nuts in kheers..very useful post.
December 17th, 2009 at 5:19 am
I would love to try these nuts Mona it sounds really tasty.
December 17th, 2009 at 9:18 am
dear mona,
i love ur recipes.keep up for the good work!
pls let me know if we have to store chironjis in the freezer or inside the refrigirator.
Huda, Jazakallahu Khair for the appreciation. If you have a small quantity of chironji nuts, store in refrigerator and use within 3 months. But if you plan to store the chironji for a very long time, then store in the freezer. It is always better to store all nuts in the freezer to preserve their flavor. ~Mona
December 17th, 2009 at 10:00 am
assk mona
how do use chironji. do u have any easy method of removing brown skin from chironji. do u fry and add chironji to desserts.
i see so many cut washed nuts during holiday season, in dept stores.i am planning to stock some .
thx for ur storing tips.
rizruby
WaAlaiKumAsSalaam Rizwana, I have updated the post with more information. ~Mona
December 17th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Hi Mona, thanks for your writeup on charoli. I usually forget to use it as a garnish for desserts but your post is now reminding me to get some. I really like in Basundi and rice kheer.
Happy Holidays!
Anupama
December 20th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
so interesting … I have never heard of this…
I’ll for sure search for it…
July 29th, 2010 at 3:56 am
Thank you , MONA, afterall my search ends here since last 3 years ididnot find such a great ZAIQA site. Thank you once again.
Iam new to this site Iam from hyderabad, istay at hyderabad.
We like your recipes very much
August 29th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Assalaamualaikum Mona.
I have recently moved to UK(Yorkshire) and i find it difficult to get Chironji here rather i have seen some sunflower seeds which resembles a lot with Chironji. I just want to ask is Chironji also termed as Sunflower seeds or i have seen some different stuff. Please help.\
WaAlaiKumAsSalaam Shameem, I am not sure if Chironji is sold as Sunflower seeds.