Chutney is one of the most popular spreads or dips served in Indian cuisine. It is prepared using ingredients such as yogurt, curd, peanut, tomato, etc. Chutney is served with a main course or snacks as per the choice of the consumers. Indian chutney is famous around the world for its different tastes and aroma. Do you want to learn how to make tasty Indian chutney? If yes then you are at the right destination. Below we have given detailed information on how one can make delicious chutneys for friends, family, and loved ones. So, without any further delay let's start.
What is a chutney?
Chutney is an Indian spread which is known as thogayal in Tamil Nadu, chammanthi in Kerala, or pachadi in Andhra Pradesh. It is used as a sauce that can taste savory, sweet, or sour as per the ingredients used in the chutney.
One can make a sauce from edibles such as nuts, yogurt, fruits and vegetables. They have a consistency ranging from chunky to smooth depending upon the materials used to make them. It can be presented as a side dish, condiment, or dish. Various types of chutneys are found around different parts of the country. It is served as coconut chutney in South India and also served in states like Kerala, Maharashtra, etc.
Types of chutneys
India is a land of various traditions and cultures where different types of food items are found. Chutney is a famous Indian delicacy of various types. The six types of chutneys are found below.
● Tomato Chutney
Tomato chutney is made with several tomatoes cooked of different species. It tastes sweet and gives a sour taste afterward. Tomato chutney is served with idli, dosa and vada. It is considered an all-time favorite option for almost all individuals.
● Pineapple Pachadi
It is a fruity chutney that is prepared using pineapples. Pineapple chutney is sweet, sour, and chunky in taste. You can add or subtract the spicy flavor by using chilies. Pineapple pachadi is served in Onam festivities.
● Mango chutney
It is a chutney with a variety of flavors. First, it will taste sweeter than sour and a bit spicy. The sauce is prepared using raw mangoes and jaggery. In addition, red chilies and mustard seeds are added to them to make a perfectly tasting-chutney.
● Coriander chutney
Coriander chutney is considered one of the oldest chutneys served in Indian cuisine. It is served with kebabs and starters. Every household in the country has its version of coriander chutney. Some use yogurt while others go for a chilly taste.
● Mango coconut chutney
It is a blend of chilies, coconut oil, grated coconut, and mangoes. As compared to others this chutney contains few ingredients but tastes amazing.
● Fig chutney
It is a sauce that is prepared using dried figs, vinegar, chilies, and garlic. Fig chutney is mostly eaten with meats, ham, and chicken. It is a great delicacy prepared from mouth-watering ingredients to give that perfect taste to your food.
Easy chutney recipes
There are many easy chutney recipes that one can follow to make a perfect sauce. So, what are you waiting for? Let us start making them get a perfectly-tasting chutney.
Coconut chutney
Prep time: 5 minutes I Cook time: 15 minutes I Total time: 20 minutes
Main ingredients
● ¾ cup of water
● Salt according to taste
● 1 pinch on hing
● 1 tablespoon of oil
● 12 to 15 curry leaves
● 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
● Garlic cloves
● 2 to 3 green chilies
● 2 tablespoons of chana dal
● ½ cup of peanuts
Instructions
Method to fry chana dal
Step 1: Take 1 tablespoon of oil and add chana dal to it.
Step 2: Now spread the mix evenly on the pan and stir the dal properly.
Step 3: Fry properly until it turns golden brown and remove it using a spoon.
Method to roast peanuts
Step 1: To the same oil used to fry dal add some peanuts.
Step 2: Stir and roast the peanuts on a medium flame.
Step 3: Now add curry leaves, cloves, and green chilies. Mix and saute for a minute.
Step 4: Add sesame seeds to the mixture. Set the pan aside and let it cool.
Method to make chutney
Step 1: When the ingredients of the chutney are warm, place them in a blender. Now add chana dal and salt according to the taste.
Step 2: All water according to and blend smoothly.
Step 3: Place the chutney in a bowl.
Green chutney
Prep time: 15 minutes I Cook time: 15 minutes I Serving: 1 bowl
Main ingredients
● 1 to 2 teaspoons of water
● ½ teaspoon of salt
● ½ teaspoon of chaat masala
● ½ cumin powder
● Lemon juice
● ½ inch ginger
● 2 green chilies
● Coriander leaves properly chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Start the process by rinsing the coriander leaves in water and then chop them properly.
Step 2: Now take the leaves, and add green chilies, ginger and cumin powder. Then add chaat masala, lemon juice, and salt in a jar.
Step 3: One should add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water and grind to make a smooth chutney.
Place the chutney in a bowl.
Papaya Chutney
Prep time: 10 minutes I Cook time: 30 minutes I Total time: 40 minutes
Main ingredients
● ½ lemon
● 2 tablespoons of raisins
● 2 tablespoon cashews
● ½ tablespoon kalonji seeds
● Salt according to taste
● 1 cup sugar
● 1 cup water
● 1 tablespoon of oil
● ½ raw papaya
Instructions
Step 1: Remove the seeds from the papaya and peel the skin.
Step 2: Slice the papaya thinly.
Step 3: Now rinse and soak it in the water.
Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté papaya in it.
Step 5: Now add 1 cup of water and boil for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Add one cup of sugar and mix well. One should add cashew, raisins, kalonji seeds, and salt.
Step 7: Mix well and boil for another 10 minutes until the papaya turns translucent.
Step 8: After this add lemon to prevent the syrup from caramelizing.
Step 9: Continue cooking until the papaya turns translucent.
Step 10: Tadda and now your chutney is ready.
Dishes to serve chutney with
Indian cuisine is varied and contains starters, main courses, etc. one should serve chutney with different dishes to enhance the taste. The list of dishes to serve the chutney with is as follows:
● Chutney is served with idli and dosa.
● Chutney is served with a sandwich and chaat.
● Chutney with kachori, pakora and samosa.
● It is served with rice.
● Various varieties of chutneys are served with fruits and vegetables.
Benefits of a chutney
There are many benefits of Indian chutney that one cannot miss. Some of the major benefits of chutney are given below. They are as follows:
● Chutneys have antioxidant properties.
Most chutneys have antioxidant properties as they contain ingredients such as coriander and curry leaves. They can lower LDL cholesterol and prevent heart diseases.
● They can promote strong immunity.
Most chutneys that are prepared from fruits and veggies can produce strong immunity. The presence of ginger further enhances the immunological features of this delicacy.
Expert Tips
Do you want to make chutney? If yes then don't worry we have some expert tips listed below that one should follow while making a sauce.
● One should finely chop the coriander leaves to get a smooth texture.
● To make a thick chutney you can cornstarch it. Take a bowl and add to it. Now add cornstarch and stir slowly to obtain a thick chutney.
Conclusion
Indian cuisines have different chutney varieties that one cannot miss. If you are one of those who love to pair up their food with sauces and chutneys can be your ideal choice. They are an integral part of Indian cuisine and are served at room temperature. Above we have given detailed information on chutneys that may help you in gaining information on the topic. In addition, some interesting recipes and tips related to chutneys are also given. So, what are you waiting for? Try out these recipes now to get a mouth-watering taste.
FAQs
What is the traditional taste of chutney?
Traditionally a chutney tastes spicy, sweet, sour, and fragrant depending upon the types of ingredients present in it.
How can I make a sweet chutney?
You can add sugar, jaggery or fruits to your chutney to make it sweet. If you are on a weight loss journey or want to avoid excessive sugars then add natural sugars using sugars in your homemade sauce.
How should I serve my chutney?
You should serve the chutney at room temperature to get the best taste of the ingredients. To get the best taste you should serve it cold with hot food.
Can I eat chutney for weight loss?
Chutneys contain a high amount of oil content so one should avoid them if they are on a weight loss journey.