Pineapple Chutney

Pineapple Chutney (Anaras 'er Chutney)

(sweet pineapple dessert)

Ingredients:

• Pineapple : one whole, sliced horizontally or vertically into thick pieces.
• Raisins - about half of one handful (preferably dark raisins).
• Spices : 1 bay leaf, cumin and black mustard seeds - 1tsp each.
• Turmeric powder and red-chili powder - one small pinch each.
• Sugar - 1 small cup.
• Cornflower powder - 2tsp.
• Salt to taste.

Method:

• Take each big slice of pineapple, remove any hard black parts from the outer surface by making V-cuts using a sharp knife. Then cut it into vary small pieces, almost like hand-grating. Try to preserve the juice with the pieces and don't wash them.
• Spare one piece, and cut out 2/3 thin circular flower-shaped discs (entire cross-section of the pineapple). Add these later for garnishing.
• Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the pineapple pieces.

• Heat oil in a pan. When it is about to make smoke, add the bay leaf. Then reduce the flame (else the seeds burst violently) and add the cumin and mustard seeds. Almost immediately add the pineapple pieces, except the pieces for garnishing. Add one pinch of turmeric powder and even less red-chili powder. Saute for few minutes.
• This will itself give out some water/juice gradually, if not add little water. Sprinkle the sugar and one more pinch of salt and keep stirring. It is always safe to add salt and sugar gradually in small quantities, and taste the stuff occasionally.
• Add the raisins
• Take one cup water, dissolve 2tsp (or less) of white cornflower powder. Add the mixture into the pan. This thickens the gravy. Adjust the quantities of water and the thickness of the gravy by adding more water or let it boil out.
• Cook for about 5 to 10 minutes. When the cooking is almost done, add the thin pineapple slices for garnishing, let those soak well in the gravy. Turn gently so that they are not torn.
• Transfer the whole into wide bowls or plates, take care to place the garnishing slices on the top.
  

Note:
[1] You might discard the hard central core of each pineapple slices, by making a whole with a sharp knife.
[2] Before cooking you might microwave the freshly-cut pineapple pieces at medium power for about 5 minutes. This makes the pieces tender and takes less time in cooking.