Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, tightly packed
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, tightly packed
- 1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1/4 cup tamarind paste
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the mint leaves, cilantro leaves, chopped dates, tamarind paste, and water. Blend until smooth.
2. In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, cumin seeds, salt, red chili powder, and black pepper to the pan. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the onion and spice mixture to the blender with the mint and date mixture. Blend until everything is combined and smooth.
5. Taste the chutney and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, chili powder, or tamarind paste to taste.
6. Transfer the chutney to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Room temperature
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 1/2 cups of chutney
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 30 per tablespoon
- Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Protein: 0.4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- If you don't have fresh mint, you can use 1/2 cup of dried mint instead.
- If you don't have tamarind paste, you can use lemon juice or lime juice instead.
- If you don't have dates, you can use raisins or apricots instead.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of garam masala or chaat masala for extra flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar for a sweeter chutney.
- Add a green chili or two for extra heat.
Tips and tricks:
- If the chutney is too thick, add a little more water to thin it out.
- Store the chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- This chutney goes well with samosas, pakoras, and other Indian snacks.
Storage instructions:
- Store the chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Reheating instructions:
- This chutney is served at room temperature and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the chutney in a small bowl with a spoon for easy serving.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Pairings:
- This chutney goes well with samosas, pakoras, and other Indian snacks.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with naan bread or rice.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chutney is too thick, add a little more water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before preparing the chutney.
Food history:
- Mint and date chutney is a popular condiment in Indian cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
- This chutney is sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve with samosas, pakoras, or other Indian snacks.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Indian