A Kaleidoscope of flavours
Exploring the different types of delicious Indian chutneys
Of all the tangible riches we have inherited from our ancestors, our traditional food is probably the most treasured. Passed down through generations, family recipes are heirlooms, closely guarded and discerningly shared between family members. While the star attractions like biryanis and curries are culinary gold, there are precious gems that are often overlooked and undervalued - the various types of chutneys in India. Delicious, nutritious Indian chutneys made with every conceivable combination of ingredients that can make a great meal, transcendent. The beauty of it is that the same ingredients can be used, but depending on where they are prepared, produce such different results.
The list of Indian chutneys isn't exhaustive, and the diverse flavours they encompass can't truly be described, though many have attempted to. In this blog, we will explore the more popular Indian chutney types that we come across everyday. Unfortunately, many of us refer to them as white, green and red chutneys, without really knowing what goes into them. So let's dig in.
White chutneys
Coconut chutney: The quintessential South Indian chutney and notably the most recognised. The taste is largely dependent on the freshness of the coconut used.
Ingredients: Grated coconut, roasted chana dal, chillies, ginger, salt. (Tempered with: Sesame oil, mustard seeds, urad dal, dried chilli, curry leaves)
Tasting notes:
Freshness from the coconut
Nutty, earthy flavour from roasted dal
Heat from the chillies
Texture and crunch from urad dal
Aromatic fragrance from curry leaves and mustard
Best enjoyed with: Breakfast items like idli, dosa, Pongal and snacks like bajji, bonda, etc.
Peanut Chutney: While not exactly white, the peanut chutney has a warm, creamy appearance that simply calls out for a generous dip. It's naturally vegan and has a long shelf life too!
Ingredients: Peanuts, channa dal, garlic, curry leaves, sesame seeds, green chillies, asafoetida.
Tasting notes:
Sweet, nutty flavour from the peanuts
Heat from the green chillies
Umami flavour from the chana dal
Best enjoyed with: Tiffin items like idly, dosa. Snacks like pakodas or as a sandwich spread. Steamed rice as a lunch accompaniment.
Red Chutneys
Tomato Chutney: A favourite of those who love a bit of tang in their meals, the tomato chutney is prepared in a variety of ways, giving it different flavours, textures and ways to eat.
Ingredients: Urad dal, dry red chillies, cloves, black pepper, ginger, ripe tomatoes, asafoetida, salt. (Tempered with: Sesame oil, mustard seeds, methi seeds, dry red chilli, curry leaves)
Tasting notes:
Tang from the tomatoes, the riper the better.
Heat from the chillies
Spicy kick from ginger and pepper
Warm aromatic fragrance from the cloves that mellows the next day
Best enjoyed with: Breakfast items like dosa, idly, uthappam. Also pairs well with parathas and makes a good sandwich spread.
Garlic Chutney: Your best friend in a pinch, the garlic chutney requires little fuss and can be prepared with just a few ingredients, but packs a flavourful punch.
Ingredients: Garlic, red chillies, tamarind, onion, salt. (Tempered with: Sesame oil, mustard seeds, urad dal, asafoetida, curry leaves)
Tasting notes:
Umami flavour from the garlic
Heat from the chillies
A hint of sweetness from the onions
Aromatic fragrance from the mustard seeds and curry leaves
Texture and crunch from urad dal
Best enjoyed with: Breakfast foods like dosas and idlis. Flavour enhancer with rasam or dal rice.
Green Chutneys
Mint Chutney: No list of Indian chutneys is complete without the street-food staple - fresh mint or pudina chutney. It pairs well with a variety of foods and is prevalent all across India.
Ingredients: Mint leaves, cumin seeds, channa dal, green chillies, ginger, garlic, lemon juice, salt.
Tasting notes:
Freshness from tender mint leaves
Umami from garlic and channa dal
Heat from green chillies and ginger
Hint of tanginess from the lemon juice
Best enjoyed with: Dhoklas, samosas, bajji and bondas. Tastes great as a spread for sandwiches.
Corainder Chutney: The perfect savoury accompaniment to a variety of dishes, especially snacks. Tastes best when prepared with fresh, tender leaves and stalks.
Ingredients: Coriander leaves, green chillies, urad dal, ginger, tamarind, coconut, salt. (Tempered with: Sesame oil, mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves)
Tasting notes:
Freshness from the coriander and coconut
Heat from the green chillies and ginger
Aromatic fragrance from the mustard seeds and curry leaves
Texture and crunch from urad dal
Hint of tanginess from tamarind
Best enjoyed with: Upma, adai, dosa, idli and rotis too. Serves as a tasty sandwich spread or a dip for snacks like bajjis and samosas.
If you don't have time to make chutneys, we've got your back. Just order them on our website and we'll get them to you at your doorstep. All you have to do is just peel the pack, pour some plain water and mix! Your chutney will be ready in 5 seconds flat!