Spicy, Tangy, Sweet - What Is Chutney?

What is Chutney?

Originating in India, chutney is a flavorful sauce that typically contains a mixture of fruits, vegetables, and spices.

The word chutney is derived from the Indian words chatna, meaning "to lick" or "to eat with an appetite".

The ingredients are combined and cooked down into a thick paste-like consistency. The result is a highly flavorful condiment that can be used in a variety of ways.

One of the most popular ways to enjoy chutney is as a dip or spread. It's perfect to pair with crackers, bread, or even vegetables.

It can also be used as a marinade for meats, adding an extra layer of flavor. Chutney can also be used as a topping for rice or noodles, adding a burst of flavor to an otherwise plain dish.

What is Chutney Made of?

Traditionally, chutney is a mixture of fruits or vegetables, spices, vinegar, and sugar.

The combination of these ingredients creates a unique sweet and sour flavor that is absolutely addictive.

Some classic chutneys include mango chutney, apple chutney, and tomato chutney. You can also use herbs like mint or cilantro to give the chutney a fresh, aromatic taste.

What is Chutney Used For?

The possibilities are endless! One of my favorite ways to use chutney is as a spread for sandwiches or as a topping for burgers.

It adds a burst of flavor to any savory dish and can even help balance out spicy flavors.

Chutney is also a great accompaniment to any type of bread or cracker. You can also use it as a dip for vegetables, chips, or even fried foods.

Another way to use chutney is as a marinade for meat. Simply coat your protein of choice in the chutney and let it sit for a few hours before cooking. This will infuse the meat with the chutney's delicious flavor and tenderize it at the same time.

You can also use chutney as a finishing sauce for meat or seafood, adding a burst of flavor to any dish.

Chutney vs Jam vs Relish

Let's dive into the differences between chutney, relish, and jam, from the ingredients used to the texture and flavors of the finished product.

1. Chutney

• Chutney typically has a chunky texture and can be both sweet and savory.
• Some popular chutneys include mango chutney, tamarind chutney, and coconut chutney.
• Chutney is commonly used as a condiment for Indian dishes, but it can also be used as a glaze for meat, as a spread for sandwiches, or even as a dip for crackers.

2. Jam

• Jam is a spread made from fruit, sugar, and sometimes pectin, which acts as a thickening agent.
• The mixture is cooked until it thickens, resulting in a spreadable consistency. Unlike chutney and relish, jam is typically sweet and fruity.
• Some popular jam flavors include strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry.
• Jams are commonly used as a spread for toast, biscuits, and scones.

3. Relish

• Relish is typically made from finely chopped vegetables, such as cucumbers, onions, and peppers, that are pickled in vinegar, sugar, and salt.
• This results in a tangy and sweet flavor profile that is often used as a condiment for hot dogs, sausages, and burgers.
• Some popular relishes include sweet pickle relish, corn relish, and tomato relish. Compared to chutney, relish has a more uniform texture and is not as sweet.

Types Of Chutney

I'll be sharing with you some of the most popular types of chutneys across India and their perfect food pairings.

1. Coconut Chutney

This hotel style coconut chutney is created with real coconut and goes well with dosas, idlis, vada, and upma, among other South Indian breakfast dishes.

For a smoky and hot flavor, try this red chili coconut chutney instead, while for a fresh peppery hint, go for this green coriander coconut chutney.

2. Tomato Chutney

It is a form of chutney that originated in India and is made with tomatoes as the main ingredient.

Tomato chutneys do go well with a rice dosa. Alternatively, serve it with uthappam or idli.

It also pairs very well with curd rice. There's no need to limit yourself to south Indian cuisine. Serve tomato chutney with aloo paratha, chapattis, or naan bread.

3. Mango Chutney

Mango Chutney combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the tanginess of lime juice and the heat from chili or cayenne pepper.

This chutney is commonly served as a condiment for curries and biryanis, but you can also pair it with grilled meats, sandwiches, and even cheese plates.

Mango Chutney is a must-try for those who love the flavor of tropical and sweet fruit.

4. Tamarind Chutney

Tamarind chutney is a popular Northern Indian chutney made with tamarind pulp and jaggery, which makes it tangy, sour, and sweet all at once.

It is the star player in many street foods and chaat items like pani puri, samosas, and bhel puri. It's also great to serve as a dip with grilled or roasted meat dishes.

The sweet, sour, and tangy combination in tamarind chutney makes it a favorite among many.

5. Garlic Chutney

Garlic chutney called lahsun chutney, lahsun ki chutney, and lehsun chutney is vibrant, spicy, and rustic in flavor. This chutney is made with garlic, chili peppers, and a few other ingredients.

It can be eaten with different types of dishes such as sandwiches, burgers, or pizzas.

Garlic chutney is a classic accompaniment to Indian street food. You can mix it with curries, rice, or noodles for extra texture and flavor.

6. Mint Chutney

Mint chutney is one of the most versatile chutneys. It is made with fresh mint leaves, cilantro leaves, and spices.

It is refreshing and cooling in flavor. Mint chutney pairs well with spicy, oily Indian dishes.

You can put mint chutney over rice, papadums, dosas, chicken tikka, or samosas. Mint chutney can also be an exciting dressing for your salads and sandwiches.

7. Apple Chutney

Apple chutney might not sound like a chutney, but it is! This sweet and sour chutney is a delightful balance of flavors.

It is made with apples, onions, ginger, and cinnamon. This chutney is a versatile complement to meat dishes.

Apple chutney goes well with roasted pork, fish, grilled chicken, or beef. It also makes a great spread for sandwiches and wraps.

8. Schezwan Sauce

Schezwan sauce, also known as Schezwan Chutney, is an Indo-Chinese condiment made from ginger, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and Kashmiri red chilies.

9. Onion Chutney

Onion chutney is a rich and thick chutney that has a unique texture. It is made with caramelized onions, red chili, curry leaves, and tamarind pulp.

It is slightly sweet, tangy, and savory in taste. You can use it as a dip with chips, veggies, or crackers.

It is also a great enhancement for sandwiches or toast. Onion chutney also pairs well with Indian flatbread, idli, or dosa.

10. Zucchini Chutney

Thogayal (zucchini spread) is a delicacy in practically every South Indian home.

The thogayal dish uses roasted ingredients such as urad dal, red chilies, and curry leaves, which are blended into a paste with zucchini and tamarind to create a fresh flavor that is simply wonderful.

11. Peanut Chutney

Peanut chutney is a sauce made from ground peanuts, lentils, curry leaves, and spices. It is often served with dosas or idlis as an accompaniment, but can also be used as a condiment for other dishes such as rice or curry.

It is a popular dish in South India and is typically made using peanuts, dried red chili peppers, tamarind, and a host of other spices and herbs.

12. Curry Leaves Chutney

Curry leaves chutney is a popular South Indian condiment made from freshly ground curry leaves, coconut, and spices. It has a rich flavor with a hint of sweetness, making it perfect for accompanying rice dishes or as an accompaniment to other traditional foods such as idli and dosa.

This spicy chutney is also used as a topping for savory snacks like vadas and pakoras. It is also great with sandwiches, wraps, and toast.

It's easy to make at home and can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

How To Make A Simple Homemade Chutney

Making it is a great way to preserve the flavors of summertime produce like tomatoes, peppers, and mangoes. It can be made to use as a condiment for curries, fries, or grilled meats.

• Prepare a chutney using fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ingredients.
• Cook until vegetables are soft (approx. 5 minutes).
• Stir in the cilantro and lime juice.
• Serve warm, room temperature, or cold.

Tips for Making

1. Start by selecting the freshest ingredients possible. This will ensure that it has the best flavor.
2. Use a variety of fruits and vegetables to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
3. Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are soft before adding the other ingredients.
4. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
5. Enjoy your chutney as a condiment with Indian dishes or grilled meats, or use it to add flavor to sandwiches and burgers.

More Chutney Recipes

Wrap Up: What is Chutney?

• Chutney is a versatile condiment that can be used in many different ways.
• From spreads and dips to marinades or finishing sauces, chutney adds an extra layer of flavor to any dish.
• Chutney, jam, and relish are great condiments that elevate your meal.
• Chutney has a chunky texture with sweet and savory flavors, while jams have a spreadable consistency and are typically fruity.
• Relishes on the other hand offer a tangy flavor profile from pickled vegetables in vinegar, sugar, and salt.
• Give this tomato chutney recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!