Mint Chutney Recipe
Mint chutney, with its vibrant green hue and refreshing taste, is a quintessential condiment in Indian cuisine. Its zesty, herbaceous flavors provide a delightful contrast to a wide array of dishes, making it a versatile companion in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it alongside crispy samosas, spreading it on sandwiches, or using it as a marinade, this classic mint chutney elevates any meal with its burst of freshness.
Classic Mint Chutney Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, washed and stems removed
- 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, washed and stems removed
- 1-2 green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 1 small tomato, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Water, as needed
Instructions:
- Place the fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, onion, tomato, garlic, and ginger in a blender or food processor.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt to the mixture.
- Blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth paste. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste the chutney and adjust the salt and spiciness as per your preference. If you’d like a touch of sweetness, you can add a teaspoon of sugar and blend again.
- Once the chutney reaches your desired taste and texture, transfer it to a clean, airtight container.
- Store the mint chutney in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
Tips:
- For a smoother consistency, you can strain the chutney through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any coarse bits.
- Adjust the number of green chilies to control the spiciness of the chutney.
- Feel free to customize the chutney by adding ingredients like roasted cumin seeds, grated coconut, or roasted peanuts for extra flavor and texture.
Mint Chutney as a Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, washed and stems removed
- 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, washed and stems removed
- 2 green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 1 small tomato, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water (adjust as needed)
Instructions:
- Place the fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, onion, tomato, garlic, and ginger in a blender or food processor.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt to the mixture.
- Blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth paste. If the mixture is too thick, you can add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste the chutney and adjust the salt and spiciness as per your preference. If you’d like a touch of sweetness, you can add a teaspoon of sugar and blend again.
- Transfer the chutney to a serving bowl.
- Serve the mint chutney as a dip alongside snacks like samosas, pakoras, or vegetable sticks. It can also be used as a spread in sandwiches or wraps.
Tips:
- This chutney can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Adjust the number of green chilies to control the spiciness of the chutney.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of yogurt while blending.
Mint Chutney for Sandwiches and Wraps
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, washed and stems removed
- 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, washed and stems removed
- 2 green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 1 small tomato, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water (adjust as needed)
Instructions:
- Place the fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, onion, tomato, garlic, and ginger in a blender or food processor.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt to the mixture.
- Blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth paste. If the mixture is too thick, you can add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste the chutney and adjust the salt and spiciness as per your preference. If you’d like a touch of sweetness, you can add a teaspoon of sugar and blend again.
- Transfer the chutney to a clean, airtight container.
- To use the mint chutney in sandwiches or wraps, spread a generous layer on slices of bread or tortillas before adding your choice of fillings. The minty freshness will add a delightful twist to your sandwich or wrap.
Tips:
- This chutney can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Customize your sandwiches and wraps by combining the mint chutney with ingredients like grilled vegetables, paneer (Indian cheese), or cooked meats.
1. Spicy Mint Chutney:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, washed and stems removed
- 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, washed and stems removed
- 2-3 green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons water (adjust as needed)
Instructions:
- Follow the same steps as the classic mint chutney recipe to blend the mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, onion, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and salt.
- In a small pan, heat a teaspoon of oil and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
- Add red chili powder and stir for a few seconds.
- Pour this spiced oil mixture into the blender with the chutney ingredients.
- Blend again until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Adjust salt and spiciness according to your taste.
2. Mint and Yogurt Chutney:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, washed and stems removed
- 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, washed and stems removed
- 2 green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons water (adjust as needed)
Instructions:
- Blend the mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, onion, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the yogurt until it’s smooth.
- Add the blended mint mixture to the yogurt and mix well.
- Adjust salt and spiciness according to your taste.
- If the chutney is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water.
Storing Mint Chutney:
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the mint chutney to a clean, airtight container before storing. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents any external odors from affecting the flavor.
- Refrigeration: Store the mint chutney in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before use.
- Layer of Oil: To extend its shelf life, you can add a thin layer of oil on top of the chutney before sealing the container. This creates a barrier that helps preserve the chutney.
- Label and Date: If you’re preparing multiple batches or different variations of mint chutney, label the containers with the type and date of preparation. This helps in easy identification.
Serving Mint Chutney:
- Temperature: Mint chutney is usually served chilled. Take it out of the refrigerator a few minutes before serving to allow it to come to a slightly cooler than room temperature.
- Pairing: Mint chutney complements a wide range of dishes. It’s a perfect accompaniment for snacks like samosas, pakoras, and kebabs. It also works well as a spread in sandwiches or wraps.
- Presentation: Use a clean and attractive serving bowl or dish to present the chutney. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of chopped coriander for visual appeal.
- Dilution: If the chutney thickens in the refrigerator, you can thin it out by adding a little water and stirring gently.
- Variation with Yogurt: For a creamier version, you can mix the mint chutney with plain yogurt. This creates a delightful minty yogurt sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over dishes.
- Customization: Encourage your guests to customize the chutney to their taste by providing optional add-ins like extra green chilies or a dash of lemon juice.
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