Bengali-style Bread with Spiced Tomato Chutney

Ingredients

In this Bengali adaptation of pa amb oli, we replace the traditional Spanish toppings with a spiced tomato chutney that is commonly used in Bengali cuisine. The chutney adds a unique flavor profile to the dish, incorporating the bold and aromatic spices that are characteristic of Bengali cooking. Additionally, the bread used in this recipe can be a traditional Bengali bread like luchi or paratha, which adds a distinct texture and taste to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Pa amb oli, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped 4 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• 4 slices of Bengali bread (luchi or paratha) 4 slices of Bengali bread (luchi or paratha)
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 36g, 6g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a pan, heat oil and add the chopped onions. Sauté until golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften.
4. 4.
   Add the cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   Remove the pan from heat and let the chutney cool down.
6. 6.
   Toast the Bengali bread slices until they turn golden brown.
7. 7.
   Spread a generous amount of the spiced tomato chutney on each bread slice.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
9. 9.
   Serve the Bengali-style Bread with Spiced Tomato Chutney as an appetizer or a light snack.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in the chutney.
• Bengali bread — If you can't find Bengali bread, you can use any crusty bread of your choice. However, using traditional Bengali bread will enhance the authenticity of the dish.
• Fresh coriander leaves — Adding fresh coriander leaves as a garnish adds a refreshing touch to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a finely chopped green chili to the tomato chutney.
• You can customize the spice levels of the chutney by adjusting the amount of red chili powder according to your taste preference.
• Serve the Bengali-style Bread with Spiced Tomato Chutney alongside a refreshing cucumber raita to balance the flavors.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the tomatoes before chopping them.
• Experiment with different types of bread to find your favorite combination.

Serving advice

Serve the Bengali-style Bread with Spiced Tomato Chutney as an appetizer or a light snack. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the toasted bread slices on a platter and generously spread the spiced tomato chutney on top. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a pop of color. Serve it as an open-faced sandwich or cut the bread into bite-sized pieces for a more elegant presentation.