Chettinad Spiced Dressing

Ingredients

Chettinad Spiced Dressing differs from the original Russian dressing by incorporating the distinct flavors of Chettinad cuisine. The traditional Russian dressing is typically made with mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce. In this Chettinad adaptation, we replace the horseradish and Worcestershire sauce with a blend of Chettinad spices, including black peppercorns, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. This infusion of spices adds a unique depth of flavor and a touch of heat to the dressing, giving it a Chettinad twist. We alse have the original recipe for Russian Dressing, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (235ml) mayonnaise 1 cup (235ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato ketchup 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato ketchup
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) Chettinad spice blend (black peppercorns, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise) 1 teaspoon (5ml) Chettinad spice blend (black peppercorns, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) honey 1 teaspoon (5ml) honey
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, Chettinad spice blend, lemon juice, honey, and salt.
2. 2.
   Whisk the ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
3. 3.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled and enjoy with your favorite salads, sandwiches, or wraps.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chettinad spice blend — Toast the black peppercorns, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant. Grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

Tips & Tricks

• Adjust the amount of Chettinad spice blend according to your spice tolerance.
• For a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon of yogurt or sour cream.
• Drizzle the dressing over grilled vegetables for an extra burst of flavor.
• Use the dressing as a marinade for chicken or fish before grilling or baking.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the dressing to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Chettinad Spiced Dressing alongside a fresh green salad, or use it as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even as a dip for crispy fries.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle the Chettinad Spiced Dressing over a bed of mixed greens, garnish with fresh herbs, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an added crunch.