Spicy Tomato Chutney

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon jaggery or brown sugar 1 tablespoon jaggery or brown sugar
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 80 kcal / 335 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
3. 3.
   Add grated ginger and minced garlic. Sauté for a minute.
4. 4.
   Add chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
5. 5.
   Cook the tomatoes on low heat until they soften and release their juices, stirring occasionally. This will take about 15-20 minutes.
6. 6.
   Add jaggery or brown sugar and mix well. Cook for another 5 minutes.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and let the chutney cool down.
8. 8.
   Transfer the chutney to a blender or food processor and blend until desired consistency is achieved.
9. 9.
   Serve the Spicy Tomato Chutney as a condiment or dip. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not naturally sweet, you can add a bit more jaggery or brown sugar to balance the tanginess.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier chutney, increase the amount of red chili powder according to your taste preference.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less jaggery or brown sugar.
• Store the chutney in sterilized jars for longer shelf life.
• Serve the chutney at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best flavor.
• Experiment with different spices like fenugreek seeds or curry leaves to add a unique twist to the chutney.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Tomato Chutney as a condiment alongside Indian dishes like dosas, idlis, or parathas. It also pairs well with grilled meats or as a spread on sandwiches and wraps.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Spicy Tomato Chutney with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance its visual appeal. Serve it in a small bowl or jar to showcase its vibrant red color.