Inji pachadi, a traditional South Indian dish often prepared during festivals like Onam, is a refreshing whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) side made with freshly ground ginger, coconut, green chilies, and tempered mustard seeds, with a touch of tamarind for natural tanginess. Prepared without oil in a WFPB adaptation, it retains its light, wholesome character while enhancing digestive balance at the start of a meal. The star ingredient, ginger, is nutritionally rich in bioactive compounds like gingerol that exhibit potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties, while also easing bloating, indigestion, and nausea. Coconut provides natural fiber, minerals like manganese and potassium, and a creamy texture that balances the pungency of ginger, while chilies add vitamin C and stimulate metabolism. Traditionally served at the beginning of a sadhya, inji pachadi primes the stomach for better digestion of heavier foods and stimulates appetite in a gentle, natural way. Beyond its culinary role, ginger holds a long history in both Ayurveda and folk medicine, valued for improving circulation, easing joint stiffness, soothing sore throats, and even aiding blood sugar regulation. Thus, inji pachadi is not merely a festive accompaniment but a healing food that showcases the medicinal essence of ginger, making it as valuable for health as it is for taste.

Ingredients
1 cup thick yogurt
1/8 cup finely chopped ginger (adrak, inji)
2green chillies, chopped fine
1/2 tsp cumin powder (optional)
Unrefined salt to taste
Method
Add 1 cup of fresh yogurt to a bowl
Whisk well until smooth and creamy
Set aside
Heat a wok and add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
Once the mustard starts spluttering, add a sprig curry leaves and 2 dried red chillies
Roast for a few seconds
Then add the green chillies and ginger
Saute on low flame till the ginger turns golden brown
Add the cumin powder (if using) and salt
Mix and remove from heat
Add to the whisked yogurt and mix
Serve as a side with a meal of red/brown/millet
Or with Indian breads and other breakfast like upma
Enjoy!