Here’s a list of some of the most popular chutneys from across the country.
Coconut Chutney
Popularity: South Indian Regions
Coconut chutney is a South Indian condiment made out of coconut, chilli peppers and spices. Tasty and savoury - this spiced coconut dip goes well with lots of South Indian staples like idli, dosa, medu vada, upma, uttapam, etc.
Beetroot Chutney
Popularity: Tamil Nadu and Kerala
Beetroot chutney is a delectable dish with relishing appearance and taste. It is made of grated beetroot and coconut, sauteed with urad dal, curry leaves and red chillies. Nutritious and healthy, this dish is easy to prepare and also unique from the usual chutneys.
Onion Chutney
Popularity: Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra
It is a scrumptious combination of onions, ginger, garlic, chana dal, urad dal, dry red chillies and curry leaves, all sauteed in oil and pureed in a blender. Mildly spiced with a vibrant colour, this onion chutney highlights your meal lusciously with an extra zest.
Tomato Chutney
Popularity: South Indian Regions
Tomato chutney is a spicy, tangy sauce prepared from tomatoes and other Indian spices. Rich and vibrant in taste, this dish plays a vital role in South Indian gastronomy.
Tamarind Chutney
Popularity: Maharashtra and Punjab
This chutney is prepared with soaked tamarind or imli blended with salt, sugar and spices. Sweet and sour in taste, this tamarind chutney is best savoured with samosa, dahi wada, kachori, stuffed paratha and various chaat delicacies.
Peanut Chutney
Popularity: Maharashtra and Karnataka
Peanut chutney is very unique. It is prepared with shallow fried peanuts, chillies, some salt and tamarind. The mixture is further tempered with fried cumin seeds, mustard seeds and curry leaves. At times, fried garlic and lemon juice are added for more flavour. Mildly spiced, this side dish is very nutritious and flavourful. You can pair this chutney with just everything, from rice, rotis, bread and other snacks.
Garlic Chutney
Popularity: Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka
Garlic chutney is a perfect treat for all garlic lovers. It is made from fresh garlic, dry or fresh coconut, groundnuts and green or red chilli pepper. Cumin and tamarind are also sometimes used as ingredients. Prepared in both wet and dry forms, this spicy chutney is just the perfect accompaniment for your snacks and dinner times.
Mint Chutney
Popularity: Punjab and Maharashtra
Mint Chutney is a delicious and tangy dip made with coriander, chillies, ginger, garlic and mint leaves. The aromatic freshness of mint combined with the earthiness of the coriander makes it a perfect dish to serve it alongside Indian appetisers like kebabs, tikkis and barbeques etc.
Green Mango Chutney
Popularity: Bengal and Gujarat
This tangy green mango chutney is prepared by crushing and blending raw mangoes with coriander leaves, basic spices and little sugar. Bursting with mixed flavours like sweet, spicy and tangy, this exquisite chutney is just worth the try.
Indian food is tasteless without chutneys. No matter which part of India it comes from, it is a great dip or a side dish to enhance a meal. So go ahead and try one today!