How to Make Fresh Tomato Chutney: Easy Recipes and Tips

Tomato chutney is a delicious and versatile condiment that can add a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes. Whether you're looking for a tangy and spicy South Indian chutney or a fresh herbaceous tomato basil chutney, this guide will walk you through the process of making your own.

Ingredients and Preparation

To start, it's important to properly wash and prepare the tomatoes. Clean them thoroughly and chop them into small pieces. The other essential ingredients you'll need include salt, lemon juice, coriander leaves, mint leaves, mango ginger, and green chilies. Black salt and sugar can also be added to enhance the flavor.

Southern Indian Chutney

The South Indian tomato chutney is tangy and spicy, making it an excellent accompaniment to dishes like idli, dosa, or vada. Here's how you can make it:

Ingredients

1 cup chopped tomatoes 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves 2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to your spice preference) 1 small piece of ginger, grated 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon urad dal 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon oil 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp

Instructions

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add urad dal and fry until golden brown. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Fry until they splutter. Add green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Saute for a minute until fragrant. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until mushy. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and tamarind pulp. Stir well and cook for a few more minutes. Add chopped coriander leaves and turn off the heat. Let the chutney cool slightly, then grind it to a smooth or coarse puree depending on your preference.

Tomato Basil Chutney

This chutney is fresh and herbaceous, making it perfect for pairing with grilled chicken or fish.

Ingredients

2 cups chopped tomatoes 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup chopped red onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately.

Tips for Preparing Tomato Chutney

For a smoother chutney, remove the seeds from the tomatoes before chopping. You can adjust the amount of chili peppers based on your desired level of spiciness. If you don't have tamarind pulp, you can substitute it with lemon juice or lime juice. This tomato chutney will last in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

Making your own fresh tomato chutney at home is not only easy but also rewarding. Experiment with different spices and herbs to create your unique version. Enjoy this versatile condiment with a variety of dishes and explore the world of flavors with these easy-to-follow recipes.