Simple Indian Mint Chutney 15 Minute Recipe
Craft a Simple Indian Mint Chutney in just 15 minutes, blending fresh mint leaves with cilantro, ginger, green chilies, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick. This vibrant and refreshing condiment is a staple in Indian cuisine, offering a burst of flavor that pairs excellently with snacks, sandwiches, and grilled dishes. Its quick and easy preparation ensures you can add a touch of freshness and spice to any meal, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire for an instant flavor uplift.
Ingredients
- Mint Leaves: 2 cups fresh for that distinct Indian flavor.
- Cilantro Coriander Leaves: 1 cup, adds vibrancy and aroma.
- Green Chilies: 2-3 for a more pronounced heat reflective of Indian palate preferences.
- Ginger: 1-cm piece adds a sharp, peppery layer.
- Garlic: 1-2 cloves for a pungent depth.
- Roasted Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon for an earthy, smoky undertone.
- Amchur Dry Mango Powder: ½ teaspoon, introduces a tangy, fruity acidity.
- Chaat Masala: ½ teaspoon for that quintessential Indian street food flavor. (optional)
- Yogurt: ½ cup to bring everything together. (Healthy Alternative: Use low-fat or plant-based yogurt for a lighter version. If you don’t want to use yogurt at all use cashews)
- Salt: To taste.
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon for a traditional sweet balance. (Healthy Alternative: Use a small amount of honey or jaggery.)
- Water: Sparingly to adjust consistency.
Instructions
Prep Your Greens:
- Start by lovingly washing the mint and cilantro leaves under cold water.
- This step is crucial, as it ensures your chutney is not just flavorful but also clean and hygienic. Roughly chop the ginger and garlic for easier blending.
Roast and Grind Cumin:
- If not using pre-roasted cumin, lightly roast the cumin seeds. Heat a small pan over low heat and dry-toast the cumin seeds until they're aromatic.
- It only takes a minute, but it’s a minute that infuses your chutney with a warm, earthy undertone, then grind them into a powder. This enhances the chutney with a warm, nutty flavor.
Blend the Greens and cumin seeds:
- In a grinder, combine the mint, cumin, cilantro, green chilies, ginger, and garlic. These fresh ingredients form the vibrant base of your chutney.
- The chilies add a kick, while the cumin brings a smoky depth. Pulse until the ingredients are roughly combined. As for the chilis, if you're sensitive to heat, start with half a chili and adjust upwards for taste. Remember, it's easier to add heat than to subtract it.
Incorporate Flavors:
- Add the roasted ground cumin, amchur, chaat masala, and a pinch of salt to the blender. The amchur and chaat masala are key to achieving that authentic Indian chutney taste, adding layers of tanginess and spice. In case you don’t have amchur powder available, you can use lemon juice for this.
- Add Creaminess and Sweetness: Blend in the yogurt and sugar.
- The yogurt smooths out the chutney, while sugar adds a rich sweetness. Choosing between full-fat and low-fat or dairy-free yogurt can significantly change the texture and health profile of your chutney. So that’s a personal call.
Adjust Consistency and Taste:
- Now, blend everything until smooth, adding a little water if necessary to get the right consistency. You’re looking for a consistency that’s easily spoonable but not watery. Taste and adjust the seasoning, maybe a pinch more salt, a squeeze of lemon, or another teaspoon of sugar.
Serve with an Indian Touch:
- Your mint chutney is ready to be served,. Garnish it with carrots, onion rings or lemon. It pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, as a dip for savory snacks like samosas, and pakoras, or as a spread in wraps and sandwiches.