Chutney, noun: A type of condiment similar to salsa found in Indian cuisine.
Every culture has their own version of an all-purpose sauce that can be used interchangeably as dip, relish, or condiment. In India, it's chutney! What's your favorite chutney recipe?
There is no single recipe for chutney, and the variations from region to region and family to family are endless. In general, it's a thick sauce that can be smooth or chunky. While some versions are as spicy as the hottest Mexican salsas, the most prominent flavor profiles are sweet and sour.
Most chutneys incorporate a lot of tropical ingredients. Mangoes, pineapple, and coconut get used quite a bit, along with nuts like cashews and peanuts. Mint, ginger, tamarind, cumin, and cilantro add variety and depth of flavor.
Chutneys served with crackers or flatbread make an appetizer or quick snack. They are also served with main dishes so each person can adjust their dish to their own taste. Chutneys also go very well with grilled foods!
Mark Bittman's book, How to Cook Everything Vegetarian, has a really nice section of chutney recipes, including Crunchy Nut Chutney and Tamarind-Date Chutney. Here are a few other recipes from the internet:
• Mango Chutney from Simply Recipes
• Cherry-Plum Chutney from the Examiner
• Sweet-and-Sour Tamarind Chutney from Food & Wine
• Tomato Chutney from Indian Child
Do you make your own chutneys?
Related: Good Question: How Long is it Safe to Keep Condiments?
(Image: Flickr member Charles Haynes licensed under Creative Commons)
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I have, but it was mainly to use up some applesauce that I made with way, way too much clove spice in it. Added some apple cider vinegar, garlic, peppers, blended it all and canned it. It's good on chicken and pork!
view kestrel127's profile
My brother used to work at an upscale Indian restaurant in NYC and I couldnt get enough of their Mint-Cilantro Chutney. I put it on everything from Naan bread to chicken tikka to chickpeas. It incorporated green chilis, onion, mint and cilantro (more mint than cilantro), plain yogurt, salt, sugar, and lime juice. Just fantastic!
view pnew's profile
Ooh- I was craving some chutneys a couple weeks ago, after having some really good ones at the Hampton Chutney Co. last time I was in NYC. I played around and came up with two recipes: Tomato and Coriander. Both were delicious, and perfect eaten with grilled cheese sandwiches. I also really like them in scrambled eggs!
http://www.kitchenist.com/cooking/snacks-etc/a-tale-of-two-chutneys-tomato-and-coriander/833
view Ele (@Kitchenist)'s profile
We make cilantro chutney a lot, just cilantro, onion, Serrano peppers, and a few spices, maybe a glug of oil and some lime juice. like salsas you cant really go wrong.
we have also tried tamarind and coconut chutney, both very good.
view adamwa's profile
I love rhubarb chutney with golden raisins and walnuts--it goes great with grilled pork, chicken, even lamb. I made some savory little hand pies the other day and served it with them--delicious.
view sjbreeze's profile
I just snag mine from Trader Joes - because it's so cheap & delicious... I'll have to try making it one of these days, though! I use it on my grown-up grilled cheese: http://www.poweredbytofu.com/2007/03/27/snap-peas-with-mint-mango-chutney-pepperjack-gourmet-grilled-cheese/
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