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.