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| Thekera Tenga, Garcinia Fruit, Amlavet |
In the verdant kitchens of Assam, where tradition simmers alongside fresh seasonal produce, few dishes capture the essence of the region as soulfully as Thekera Tenga. A comforting, tangy preparation made with dried slices of Thekera (Garcinia pedunculata), this dish is not just food — it's cultural memory served in a bowl.
What is Thekera?
Known scientifically as Garcinia pedunculata, Thekera (ঠেকেৰা in Assamese) is a sour fruit indigenous to Assam and parts of Northeast India. When ripe, the fruit is sliced and sun-dried, turning from a golden green to a rich, dark brown. In its dried form, Thekera becomes a pantry staple - known for its ability to impart a distinct sourness to curries and stews while offering impressive health benefits.
Thekera Tenga: The Dish
In Assamese, Tenga means sour, and sour dishes are a mainstay of the summer diet due to their cooling properties. Thekera Tenga is typically a simple, soupy curry made with lentils (often masoor dal or moong dal) or sometimes fish, infused with the unique sourness of soaked Thekera slices.
Key Ingredients:
Sun-dried Thekera slices (soaked in warm water)
Yellow lentils or seasonal fish (like rohu or small freshwater fish)
Mustard seeds, green chilies, turmeric, salt
A dash of mustard or mustard oil
The dish is light, subtly tangy, and incredibly soothing on the stomach. It is usually served with hot rice and a dry vegetable side dish or mashed potato (aloo pitika).
Health Benefits of Thekera
Thekera isn't just a taste enhancer - it's also a time-tested natural remedy in traditional Assamese households. It is:
Rich in antioxidants
Anti-inflammatory and digestive
Known to reduce bloating and aid in acid balance
Believed to help in cholesterol management
A traditional home remedy for bloating or stomach upset involves soaking Thekera slices in water and drinking the infused water - a practice still followed today.
A Dish of Memory and Healing
For many Assamese people living away from home, Thekera Tenga evokes the scent of summer, the shade of home verandas, and the quiet rhythm of everyday meals. It's a recipe handed down by grandmothers and brought to life in modern kitchens as a gentle, healing meal - perfect after indulgent days or on sick afternoons.
Where to Find Thekera
With rising interest in regional and Ayurvedic superfoods, Thekera is now available online in both whole dried and powdered forms. Whether you're curious to explore Assamese cuisine or looking for a natural digestive aid, Thekera is a humble yet powerful ingredient to have in your kitchen.
Final Thoughts
In an age where global cuisines mix freely, Thekera Tenga stands as a proud symbol of regional Indian identity - unassuming yet unforgettable. It reminds us that food can be both medicine and memory, served warm with a touch of sour.
