Tomato Chutney

This is an original recipe by the author.

Tomato chutney is a classic Indian condiment that goes great with all kinds of dishes. It is an ever versatile, zesty and mildly pungent chutney generally prepared from overripe tomatoes mixed with few spice seasonings. This chutney lends flavor to breakfast foods, snacks and main courses, and is a favorite in many Indian households. Tomato chutney adds a refreshing and tangy touch to any meal, be it dosas, idlis, parathas, or even rice. In this article we will discover, tomato chutney meaning, tomato chutney recipe, tomato chutney preparation, types of tomato chutney, tomato chutney and suluguni, tomato chutney recipe detailed.

What is Tomato Chutney?

Use the depth of tomato chutney — a blend of tangy tomatoes and spices — as a condiment for all these dishes, or to eat on its own; it’s a taste of home for many. Tomato chutney is common in Indian cuisine yet has made its way beyond South Asia and is loved around the world for its explosion of flavors. There are countless ways to make it — smooth or chunky, mild or spicy; you can experiment with different components to accommodate a wide range of palates.

At its most basic, tomato chutney, or thokku, is a spiced sauce made by cooking down juicy ripe tomatoes with spices like mustard seeds, cumin, garlic, ginger, green chilies and tamarind, all of which add heat and tartness. The traditional version is simple, but this tomato chutney can be adapted to various flavor profiles by adding such ingredients as onion, coconut or jaggery.

Origin and the Culture of its Birth

Tomato chutney is a round-up of south Indian flavors, being popularly used in south Indian cuisine in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It is a quintessential accompaniment to South Indian breakfast fare like dosa, idli, and vada. Its tangy, spicy flavor contrasts the mildness of these dishes, using it to bring out their flavor. It is also served with rice, parathas and even fried nibbles like samosas and pakoras.

While coconut chutney reigns supreme on the South Indian breakfast spread, tomato chutney has its own share of love as a prized alternative that brings a different but equally delicious flavor profile. Whether served alongside crispy dosas or soft idlis, tomato chutney is a must in Indian homes, especially when a flavorful touch is desired for the meal.

Apart from being a staple of South Indian cuisine, tomato chutney has also gained popularity in various other countries through the globalization of Indian cuisine. It is a common condiment in Caribbean, Sri Lankan, and African cuisine, where we find local variations and it is adapted.

Tomato chutney Ingredients

Tomato chutney recipes differ from region to region and person to person, but the base ingredients are generally the same: tomatoes, spices and sometimes, souring agents like tamarind or vinegar. Here’s a quick list of basic ingredients for tomato chutney:

1. Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are the base of the chutney, giving it tangy, juicy flavor. For superior flavor, use tomatoes in season.
2. Green Chilies: To add heat and spice. The quantity can be altered based on your heat tolerance.
3. Garlic and Ginger: These help provide depth of flavor and warmth to the chutney.
4. Tamarind: This souring agent provides a kick of tanginess to the chutney, offsetting the sweetness of the tomatoes.
5. Green Spices: Make use of frequent green spices like mustard seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder in tomato chutney. The spices add aroma and flavor complexity to the chutney.
6. Onions: Some recipes say to add onions to the chutney to include sweetness and texture; this is optional.
7. Sugar/Jaggery: Used occasionally to sweeten the sourness of the tomatoes and give it a bit of sweetness.
8. Curry Leaves: These aromatic leaves are commonly used during the tempering process to add fragrance to the chutney.

Basic Tomato Chutney Recipe

Here is an easy and straightforward recipe to make classic tomato chutney at home.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch knob ginger, finely grated
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder (more or less according to taste)
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp tamarind paste (optional)
• Salt to taste
• A handful of curry leaves

Instructions:

Prepare the ingredients: In a frying pan, heat up a drizzle of oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and spluttering it up. Add to that cumin seeds, curry leaves, ginger, garlic and green chilies. If using, sauté the onion (or leeks) for 2 to 3 minutes, until the onion softens, then add the spices and sauté until fragrant.

Add tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the pan. Mix with a spoon, and stir fry the tomatoes for about 10-12 minutes on a medium heat, or until soft and mushy. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit of water to get the consistency you like.

Add tamarind (optional): If you prefer a tangy flavor in your chutney, incorporate tamarind paste or a bit of tamarind extract in to the tomato mixture. Mix well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

Blend (optional): For a more smooth chutney add it carefully to a hand or regular blender and pulse until smooth. For a chunkier chutney, you can skip this step and serve as is.

Serve: Allow the chutney to cool down to room temperature and serve it as the chutney side dish along with dosa, idli, rice, or any of your favorite Indian meal.

Variations of Tomato Chutney

The basic tomato chutney is loved by all, but several varieties cater to different taste buds. There are some common variations of this heard, such as:

Onion Tomato Chutney

The onions in the chutney bring additional sweetness and texture. It’s a popular variation in South India, especially.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium tomatoes
• 1 medium onion
• 2-3 green chilies
• 1/4 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Directions: Use the basic recipe, but add onions with the tomatoes. Continue cooking until the onions are golden brown, then blend it all into a smooth chutney.

Spicy Tomato Chutney

If you like a chutney with more kick, feel free to add more green chilies and red chili powder, or more dried red chilies during the tempering.

Tomato and Garlic Chutney

Adding garlic imparts the chutney with a pungent aromatic flavor. It goes well with rice and parathas.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 6 garlic cloves
• 2-3 green chilies
• 1 tbsp oil

How-to: Use the basic recipe, but add more garlic. Added sauté garlic along with other spices, so strong the flavor of the chutney.

Tomato and Coconut Chutney

This tomato chutney is made creamy and a little sweet with the addition of grated coconut. That version is popular in South Indian cooking.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh grated coconut
• 2 green chilies
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds

Plan: Grind and mix with mustard seeds and curry leaves for a unique blended chutney experience.

Tomato chutney is highly nutritious. This is a list of its nutritional-health value.

Tomato Chutney, besides being tasty, is also very healthy because tomatoes are packed with nutrients and the spices being utilized. Some of the benefits include:

1. High in Antioxidants: Tomatoes are loaded with antioxidants, especially lycopene, which has been associated with lower risk of chronic diseases including heart disease and cancer.
2. Enhances Immunity: The garlic & ginger in the chutney along with other spices can enhance the immune system and help protect you from common diseases.
3. Anti_Inflammatory: Spices such as turmeric and cumin have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce body inflammation.
4. Aids in Digestion: Ingredients like ginger and cumin help in digesting and enhance gut health.
5. Low In Calories: Tomato chutney is a low-calorie spread that can be used in a balanced and healthy diet.

Conclusion

Tomato chutney is a spicy and tangy condiment that nobody can say no to and is an integral part of the Indian cuisine. Its versatility makes for an ideal accompaniment to a variety of dishes, ranging from dosa and idli to rice and parathas. Be it the traditional recipe or its variations, such as onion-tomato chutney or garlic-tomato chutney, this is a very simple yet tasty chutney that people can make and have it with various meals. Simple to prepare, flavorful tomato chutney is perfect for every kitchen, an accompaniment with zing to elevate your best comfort food.

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