In the culinary world, tomato chutney stands out as a versatile condiment that can transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. With its vibrant color, tangy flavor, and chunky texture, tomato chutney isn't just a side dish; it's a burst of flavor that elevates your meals. 🌶️ Whether you're looking to complement a hearty curry, enhance your sandwich, or add zest to your breakfast, these five delicious tomato chutney recipes will surely impress your palate.
The Essence of Tomato Chutney
Tomato chutney, at its core, is a sweet and tangy condiment made from tomatoes, spices, and sometimes vinegar or sugar. Its versatility lies in the different ingredients you can add to customize its flavor profile, from spicy chilies to sweet dates or aromatic herbs.
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Ingredients and Preparation
The common ingredients for tomato chutney include:
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chilies
- Mustard seeds
- Cumin seeds
- Turmeric powder
- Salt
- Sugar
- Vinegar or lemon juice
Here's how to prepare the base:
- Chop: Start by finely chopping tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
- Sauté: In a saucepan, heat oil, add mustard seeds, let them crackle, then sauté cumin seeds until they start to sizzle.
- Spice: Add chopped onions, cook until translucent, then add spices like turmeric and chilies for flavor.
- Cook: Add tomatoes, salt, and sugar. Cook until the tomatoes release their juices and the mixture thickens.
- Finish: Add vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy kick, then simmer until you get a chutney-like consistency.
<p class="pro-note">🔔 Note: The thickness of the chutney can be adjusted based on your preference for texture. For a smoother chutney, you can blend a portion of it after cooking.</p>
Recipe 1: Spicy Tomato & Chili Chutney 🌶️
This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a fiery kick with their meals.
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Ingredients
- 1kg ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 3-4 dried red chilies, crushed
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 2 tbsp jaggery or sugar
Method
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Heat oil, add cumin and mustard seeds. Once they sizzle, add dried chilies, followed by ginger-garlic paste.
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Add chopped tomatoes, salt, and cook until the tomatoes are soft.
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Stir in jaggery or sugar, cook until the mixture thickens.
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Finish with vinegar and simmer for a few more minutes.
Recipe 2: Sweet and Tangy Tomato Chutney with Mango 🍅🥭
This chutney has the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, making it a delightful accompaniment.
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Ingredients
- 500g ripe tomatoes, diced
- 200g raw mango, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
- 1/2 cup jaggery or sugar
- Salt to taste
- Vinegar or lemon juice
Method
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Toast mustard and fenugreek seeds in hot oil until they pop.
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Sauté onion until translucent, then add tomatoes and mango.
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Add sugar or jaggery, salt, and cook until the mango is tender and the mixture thickens.
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Simmer with vinegar or lemon juice for tanginess.
<p class="pro-note">🔔 Note: The balance between sweet and tangy can be adjusted to your taste by varying the amount of sugar and vinegar.</p>
Recipe 3: Tomato Chutney with Basil and Garlic 🍅🌿
Aromatic herbs like basil give this chutney a fresh, herbaceous twist.
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Ingredients
- 6 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- 10 fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp sugar
Method
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Heat oil, add garlic, and sauté until it starts to turn golden.
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Add tomatoes, basil, salt, and sugar. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
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Finish with balsamic vinegar and cook until the chutney thickens.
Recipe 4: Hearty Tomato Chutney with Tamarind and Dates 🍅🍬
This recipe combines the sweet and sour elements for a unique flavor profile.
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Ingredients
- 1kg tomatoes, chopped
- 100g pitted dates, chopped
- 2 tbsp tamarind pulp
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
Method
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Sauté onion in oil, then add cumin seeds and chili powder.
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Cook tomatoes with tamarind pulp, dates, and salt until the tomatoes break down.
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Simmer to thicken, making sure the flavors meld well.
Recipe 5: Tomato and Sun-Dried Tomato Chutney for Pasta Lovers 🍅🍝
A treat for pasta enthusiasts, this chutney brings sun-dried tomatoes' rich flavor to the table.
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Ingredients
- 400g fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 100g sun-dried tomatoes, diced
- 1 large red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Method
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Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
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Add fresh tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are very soft.
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Simmer with red wine vinegar to finish.
Each of these recipes brings something unique to the table, whether it's the fiery spice of chilies, the sweet tang of mango, the herbaceous notes of basil, the sweet-sour harmony of tamarind and dates, or the rich depth of sun-dried tomatoes. These tomato chutneys are not just about enhancing the flavor of your meals; they are about adding a layer of complexity and depth, transforming even the simplest dish into something memorable.
Tomato chutney can be served at various temperatures: warm, at room temperature, or even cold, making it an incredibly versatile condiment. It complements a wide range of dishes, from Indian curries and biryanis to Western grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dip for nachos or pakoras.
Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to expand your repertoire, these five tomato chutney recipes offer a delightful way to experiment with flavors, textures, and aromas. They can be stored in sterilized jars, making them perfect for gifting or for enjoying throughout the year.
With each jar of homemade tomato chutney, you're bottling up not just flavors but also the joy of cooking, the vibrance of tomatoes, and the warmth of your kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, choose your favorite recipe, and embark on a journey of taste that will elevate your meals to new heights.
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I make tomato chutney without vinegar?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can use lemon juice or another acidic component like tamarind to preserve the chutney and add a tangy flavor instead of vinegar.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How long can I store homemade tomato chutney?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>When stored in sterilized jars, homemade tomato chutney can last up to a year. Refrigerate after opening, where it will keep for several weeks.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What are some other uses for tomato chutney?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Apart from pairing with Indian dishes, tomato chutney can be used as a sandwich spread, a dip for snacks, or as a topping for grilled meats and cheeses.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can tomato chutney be frozen?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, tomato chutney can be frozen in freezer-safe containers for up to six months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>