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:

1. Place the fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, onion, tomato, garlic, and ginger in a blender or food processor.
2. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt to the mixture.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Once the chutney reaches your desired taste and texture, transfer it to a clean, airtight container.
6. 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.

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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:

1. Place the fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, onion, tomato, garlic, and ginger in a blender or food processor.
2. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt to the mixture.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Transfer the chutney to a serving bowl.
6. 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.

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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:

1. Place the fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, onion, tomato, garlic, and ginger in a blender or food processor.
2. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt to the mixture.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Transfer the chutney to a clean, airtight container.
6. 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.

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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:

1. 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.
2. In a small pan, heat a teaspoon of oil and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
3. Add red chili powder and stir for a few seconds.
4. Pour this spiced oil mixture into the blender with the chutney ingredients.
5. Blend again until all the ingredients are well combined.
6. 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:

1. Blend the mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, onion, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the yogurt until it’s smooth.
3. Add the blended mint mixture to the yogurt and mix well.
4. Adjust salt and spiciness according to your taste.
5. If the chutney is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water.

Storing Mint Chutney:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Dilution: If the chutney thickens in the refrigerator, you can thin it out by adding a little water and stirring gently.
5. 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.
6. 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.

Imali Chutney