The step-by-step guide on how to easily prepare delicious chutney at home

Chutneys are a great way to add flavor to your meals, whether you’re serving them with cheese and crackers or using them as a relish in sandwiches. Made with a variety of ingredients, chutneys can be spicy, sweet, tangy, or a combination of flavors. In this article, we will explore how to make chutney using apples, tomatoes, onions, and other ingredients, and why they are a must-have in your pantry.

For a warm and aromatic apple chutney, all you will need are some diced apples, onions, cider vinegar, and a selection of spices. Slow cooking the ingredients together will allow the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a delicious chutney that can be enjoyed throughout the winter months. This recipe is a staple in many Indian households and can be customized to suit your preferences.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a tomato chutney with a spicy twist. Chef Lucy’s recipe calls for finely chopped tomatoes, onions, chile peppers, and tamarind paste. The ground spices used in this recipe add a depth of flavor that will leave your taste buds crying out for more. Don’t be tempted to rush the cooking process; allowing the chutney to simmer and thicken in a pan will result in a rich and intensely flavored relish that can be served with a variety of dishes.

For a South Indian-inspired chutney, the combination of mango, cilantro, and cranberry creates a unique and vibrant flavor profile. This recipe is simple and quick to make, using a microwave instead of a stovetop appliance. The diced mangoes, cranberries, and cilantro are cooked together with spices, creating a chutney that pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes. The slightly tart flavor of the cranberries adds a delightful tanginess to the chutney.

Whether you’re a seasoned chutney enthusiast or new to the world of relishes, making your own chutneys can be a fun and creative way to play with flavors. From sweet and tangy apple chutneys to spicy tomato relishes, chutneys are a versatile addition to any meal. So why not embark on a chutney-making journey and experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find your favorite flavor?

Easy Basic Tomato Chutney

Tomato chutney is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways. It adds a burst of flavor to sandwiches, cheese, and even winter soups. Making homemade tomato chutney is surprisingly easy, and here’s a basic recipe that you can try.

Ingredients:
  • 12 ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to taste)
  • 1/4 cup tamarind pulp
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust according to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
  • A handful of fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • A handful of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions:
  1. Heat a stainless steel pan on medium heat and add the chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, and green chilies.
  2. Cook the mixture, stirring often, until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices, usually for about 10 minutes.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and add the tamarind pulp, brown sugar, salt, cumin, coriander, turmeric powder, and chili powder (if using). Stir well to combine.
  4. Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 1 hour or until the chutney thickens and the flavors meld together.
  5. Remove the pan from heat and let the chutney cool down to room temperature.
  6. Once the chutney has cooled, stir in the chopped mint and cilantro leaves.
  7. Spoon the chutney into clean, sterilized jars and seal tightly.
  8. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for at least a week to allow the flavors to mature. The chutney will generally last for up to a year if stored properly.
  9. Enjoy your homemade basic tomato chutney with your next meal! It pairs well with cheese, sandwiches, and is delicious as a condiment for various dishes.
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That’s it! You have now made a batch of delicious homemade tomato chutney that will add a real flavor kick to your meals. This basic recipe can be customized to your taste by adding different spices or adjusting the sweetness. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Why you’ll love this chutney recipe

If you’re a fan of bold, flavorful condiments that will tantalize your taste buds, this chutney recipe is for you. Made with finely spiced onions, cilantro, and a special type of chutney, it’s the perfect addition to any dish. Whether you’re using it to give your cheese sandwiches a delicious, mellow twist or to serve alongside a rich Indian curry, you’re sure to fall in love with this chutney.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make. By simply chopping and cooking a few basic ingredients, you’ll have a jar full of this delicious chutney in no time. The sweet and tangy flavors of cranberries and tamarind blend together perfectly, creating a chutney that is both light and full of flavor.

The addition of green tomatoes helps to seal in the flavors and create a chutney that can be enjoyed all year round. The sweetness of peaches and the spicy kick of ginger add a unique and delightful taste to this chutney. No matter what’s on the menu, this chutney recipe is sure to be a hit.

So why not give this chutney a try? It’s a versatile condiment that can be enjoyed with a wide range of dishes. From roast meats to cheese plates, it pairs perfectly with just about anything. Plus, making your own chutney at home allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavors to your liking.

If you’re still not convinced, here are some FAQs about homemade chutney:

  • What ingredients do I need to make this chutney?
  • How long does it take to make?
  • Can I sterilize the jars?
  • How should I store the chutney?

Once you begin making your own chutney, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it from the store. The homemade version is so much tastier and improves with time, so you can keep enjoying it for months to come. No crying over bland chutney when you have this recipe!

What is chutney

Chutney is a condiment popular in South Asian cuisine. It is typically made by simmering fruits (such as tomatoes, apples, or peaches) with onions, vinegar, sugar, and various spices. The result is a thick, flavorful sauce that can add a real kick to dishes.

Chutney is different from jam or jelly because it is generally not as sweet and often has a more complex flavor profile. It can be savory or sweet, depending on the ingredients used. Some common types of chutney include mango chutney, tomato chutney, mint chutney, and cranberry chutney.

The method for making chutney is simple, but it requires a few basic kitchen appliances and equipment. You’ll need a pan for simmering the ingredients, a chopping board and knife for preparing the fruits and onions, and a blender or food processor for mixing the ingredients together. Some recipes also call for a muslin cloth or strainer to remove any solids from the mixture.

To make chutney, you’ll typically start by heating onions in a pan until they become soft and translucent. Then, you’ll add the fruits and other ingredients, such as vinegar, sugar, and spices. The mixture is then cooked on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a sauce-like consistency. The longer you cook it, the more mellow and flavorful the chutney will become.

Once the chutney is cooked, you can serve it immediately or store it in a jar for later use. It is often served as a condiment with cheese and crackers, on sandwiches, or alongside main dishes as a flavorful accompaniment. Chutney can also be used in various recipes, adding a burst of flavor to dishes like curries, stir-fries, and roasted vegetables.

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If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try experimenting with different fruits, spices, and flavor combinations to create your own unique chutney recipes. The possibilities are endless, and you may discover a flavor combination that you never knew you’d love!

What’s the difference between chutney and relish

In Indian cuisine, chutneys and relishes are both popular accompaniments to meals. While their flavors and uses can overlap, there are some differences between the two.

Chutney is a type of sauce that is generally made with a combination of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. It can be sweet, spicy, or tangy, and it is often used as a condiment or a dip. Traditional Indian chutneys are often made by grinding or chopping the ingredients and then cooking them in a saucepan or a microwave. They are commonly served with snacks, curries, or rice dishes.

Relish, on the other hand, is a type of sauce that is generally made with finely chopped or ground vegetables or fruits. It is typically cooked in a saucepan or a pressure cooker to produce a thick and chunky consistency. Relishes are usually mellow and salty in taste, and they can be used to enhance the flavor of grilled or roasted meats, sandwiches, or burgers.

One key difference between chutney and relish is their texture. Chutneys are often smooth, while relishes are chunkier with visible pieces of vegetables or fruits. Another difference is the cooking process. Chutneys are typically cooked for a shorter period of time, while relishes are cooked for a longer duration to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.

Overall, chutneys and relishes are both delicious and versatile condiments that can add flavor and depth to your meals. Whether you prefer the sweet and spicy flavors of chutney or the mellow and salty taste of relish, both can be enjoyed in a variety of recipes and cuisines.

Ingredients for basic chutney

To make a basic chutney, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups of chopped tomatoes
  • 1 cup of chopped onions
  • 2 green chilies, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro leaves
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of oil
  • Salt to taste

These ingredients will give you a basic chutney that can be served with various dishes.

How to chop onions without crying

Chopping onions can be a slow and tearful process, but there are a few techniques you can use to minimize the tears. Here are some tips to keep your eyes dry while you chop:

1. Chill the onions: When you refrigerate your onions for an hour before chopping, it reduces the release of the onion’s sulphuric compounds that cause tears.

2. Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will cause less damage to the onion’s cells, which results in less release of irritants and fewer tears.

3. Cut near a heat source: When you chop onions near a warm stove or under a running faucet, the rising steam can help disperse the irritant compounds away from your face.

4. Use the right equipment: Using a stainless steel knife and cutting board can help reduce the onion’s reaction with metallic compounds, which can irritate your eyes.

5. Keep your mouth closed and breathe through your nose: By breathing through your nose, you’ll minimize the amount of irritant compounds that reach your eyes.

6. Chop the onion under running water: This helps to wash away the irritants as they are released, reducing the chances of them reaching your eyes.

Remember, chopping onions without crying is all about minimizing the release of irritant compounds and keeping them away from your eyes. With these tips, you’ll be able to chop onions with ease and without tears.

Authors at GlobalIdeas
Authors at GlobalIdeas

We exist to help communities in the Asia-Pacific make practical improvements to their own health. We believe there is immense potential to join the dots across disciplines to think differently, and we are united by a desire to see better health for all.

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