Coriander Mint Chutney
A vibrant and refreshing green chutney made with fresh coriander and mint leaves. This versatile Indian condiment is the perfect zesty accompaniment to snacks like samosas, pakoras, and sandwiches.
For 8 servings
4 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Herbs (3 minutes)
- b.Thoroughly wash the coriander and mint leaves under cold running water to remove any grit or dirt.
- c.Pluck the mint leaves from their stems; discard the thicker stems as they can be bitter.
- d.For the coriander, use both the leaves and the tender upper stems, which are packed with flavor. Roughly chop the bunch.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine Ingredients in Blender (2 minutes)
- b.Place the washed coriander and mint leaves into a high-speed blender jar.
- c.Add the green chilies (broken in half), chopped ginger, garlic cloves, roasted chana dal, lemon juice, chaat masala, black salt, sugar (if using), and salt.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Blend to a Smooth Paste (2 minutes)
- b.Add the ice cubes or 3 tablespoons of ice-cold water. Using ice is highly recommended as it prevents the herbs from oxidizing and helps maintain a vibrant green color.
- c.Blend for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the jar as needed, until you achieve a completely smooth, uniform paste.
- d.Avoid over-blending, as the heat from the motor can darken the chutney. If the mixture is too thick, add one more tablespoon of cold water and pulse briefly to combine.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Taste, Adjust, and Serve (3 minutes)
- b.Transfer the chutney to a serving bowl.
- c.Taste and adjust the seasoning. You may want to add more salt for savoriness, lemon juice for tanginess, or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- d.For best results, let the chutney rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve fresh with snacks like samosas, dhokla, or use as a spread in sandwiches.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the brightest green color, always use ice cubes or ice-cold water while blending. The cold temperature prevents the herbs from oxidizing.
- 2The 2:1 ratio of coriander to mint is key. Too much mint can make the chutney bitter.
- 3Roasted chana dal is the secret ingredient that prevents the chutney from becoming watery. If unavailable, use roasted peanuts or 1-2 tablespoons of desiccated coconut.
- 4Don't skip the lemon juice! It not only adds tang but also acts as a natural preservative and helps maintain the green color.
- 5To freeze, pour the chutney into an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to 3 months.
- 6If raw mango is in season, add a small piece to the blender for an extra tangy flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Chutney
For a creamier, milder version, blend in 2-3 tablespoons of thick plain yogurt (curd) or coconut milk at the end. Note that this will reduce the shelf life.
Nutty ChutneyNutty Chutney
Replace the roasted chana dal with 2 tablespoons of roasted peanuts or cashews for a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Tangy Mango ChutneyTangy Mango Chutney
When in season, add 2-3 small pieces of raw green mango (kairi) while blending for a naturally sour and tangy kick. You may need to reduce the lemon juice.
No Garlic VersionNo Garlic Version
Simply omit the garlic cloves for a delicious chutney that is suitable for those who avoid it.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Coriander and mint are loaded with antioxidants that help fight free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Aids Digestion
Ginger, mint, and black salt are renowned for their digestive properties. They can help alleviate indigestion, bloating, and gas, promoting a healthy gut.
Boosts Immunity
The high Vitamin C content from coriander and lemon juice helps strengthen the immune system, protecting the body against common infections.
Natural Detoxifier
Coriander is believed to have properties that help in detoxifying the body by binding to heavy metals and aiding in their removal.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this chutney (approximately 2 tablespoons) contains about 15-20 calories, making it a very light and healthy condiment.
