bowl of mint curry

Mint chutney is a flavourful and versatile condiment that complements a wide range of dishes, from Indian cuisine to sandwiches and salads. It’s easy to make and requires just a few basic ingredients. Here’s a beginner’s guide to making mint chutney:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh mint leaves, washed and stems removed
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, washed and stems removed
  • 1-2 green chillies (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 small onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1-inch piece of ginger peeled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 2-3 ice cubes (yes, not the basic water)
  • 1-2 tablespoons thick yogurt (optional, for creaminess)

Follow the steps:

  • Prep the Ingredients:
    • Wash the mint and cilantro leaves thoroughly and remove any tough stems.
    • Peel and chop the ginger and garlic.
    • Roughly chop the onion and green chillies.
  • Blend the Herbs and Aromatics:
    • In a blender or food processor, add the mint leaves, cilantro leaves, green chillies, onion, ginger, and garlic.
    • Pulse a few times to chop them coarsely.
  • Add Seasonings:
    • Add the cumin seeds, salt, and sugar (if using) to the blender.
  • Blend Until Smooth:
    • Start blending the mixture. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure everything gets well blended.
    • If the mixture is too thick to blend, add one to two ice cubes to help it along. The consistency should be like a thick paste.
  • Adjust Seasonings:
    • Taste the chutney and adjust the salt and lemon juice to your preference. You can also add more green chillies if you like it spicier.
  • Optional Creaminess:
    • If you prefer a creamier texture, add 1-2 tablespoons of yoghurt and blend again until well combined.
  • Serve:
    • Transfer the mint chutney to a serving bowl.
    • You can serve it immediately, or you can refrigerate it for later use. It stays fresh for a few days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips:

  • Mint chutney can be customized to your taste. You can add a pinch of roasted cumin powder, a small piece of tamarind for tanginess, or a dash of garam masala for extra flavour.
  • Adjust the number of green chillies to control the spiciness. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder chutney.
  • Sugar is optional but can help balance the flavours, especially if the mint leaves are very pungent.
  • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavour and aroma.

Dishes To Enjoy Mint Chutney With

Mint chutney is incredibly versatile and can complement a wide range of dishes, adding a burst of fresh, tangy, and spicy flavour. Here are some foods and dishes that mint chutney pairs exceptionally well with:

  • Indian Snacks and Appetizers:
    • Samosas
    • Pakoras (fried fritters)
    • Chaat (street food snacks)
    • Kebabs (e.g., chicken, lamb, or vegetarian)
    • Aloo Tikki (potato patties)
    • Dhokla (steamed savory cakes)
    • Pani Puri (crispy hollow shells filled with spicy tamarind water)
  • Indian Main Courses:
    • Biryani (flavoured rice dish)
    • Tandoori dishes (e.g., chicken tikka or tandoori paneer)
    • Roti, Paratha, or Naan (Indian bread)
    • Rice and dal (lentil curry)
    • Grilled or roasted meats and seafood
  • Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cuisine:
    • Falafel
    • Shawarma or kebabs
    • Hummus
    • Grilled chicken or lamb dishes
    • Greek or Mediterranean salads
  • Sandwiches and Wraps:
    • Use it as a spread in sandwiches or wraps, especially with grilled vegetables, chicken, or lamb.
  • Salads:
    • Toss mint chutney with a green salad or a chickpea salad for added flavour.
  • Roasted Vegetables:
    • Drizzle it over roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or cauliflower.
  • Rice Dishes:
    • Mint chutney can be a refreshing condiment to accompany rice dishes like pulao or biryani.
  • Grilled Meats and Seafood:
    • Serve it alongside grilled or barbecued meats and seafood to add a fresh contrast.
  • Yogurt-Based Dishes:
    • Mix it with yoghurt to create a flavorful raita, which can be served as a side dish or dip.
  • Bread and Savory Pastries:
    • Enjoy it with bread rolls, savoury pastries, or stuffed bread like calzones or empanadas.

Mint chutney’s cooling and refreshing qualities make it a delightful addition to a wide variety of foods, enhancing its overall taste and appeal.

Take a look at the Recipes section for more mouthwatering treats.

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