Coriander Mint Chutney
A vibrant, refreshing green chutney made without onion or garlic, perfect for Jain diets. Fresh cilantro and mint blend with ginger and lime for a zesty kick that pairs perfectly with snacks like samosas and dhokla.
For 4 servings
3 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Herbs (5 minutes)
- b.Thoroughly wash the coriander and mint leaves under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit.
- c.Pick the mint leaves from their stems. For coriander, you can keep the tender, thin stems as they are full of flavor, but discard any thick, tough stems.
- d.Gently pat the herbs dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner. Removing excess water is key to a flavorful, non-watery chutney.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Blend the Chutney (4 minutes)
- b.In a high-speed blender or chutney grinder, add the chopped ginger, green chilies, lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons of ice-cold water. Blending these first creates a liquid base that helps grind the herbs smoothly.
- c.Add the prepared mint leaves, coriander leaves, cumin seeds, asafoetida (hing), salt, and optional sugar to the jar.
- d.Blend on high in short bursts for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the jar with a spatula as needed, until you achieve a smooth, uniform paste.
- e.If the chutney is too thick, add another tablespoon of cold water or an ice cube and blend again until it reaches your desired consistency.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Taste, Adjust, and Serve (1 minute)
- b.Taste the chutney and adjust the seasonings. Add more salt for savoriness, lemon juice for tang, or a pinch more sugar to balance the flavors if needed.
- c.Give it a final 10-second blend to incorporate any adjustments.
- d.Transfer the chutney to a serving bowl. Serve immediately with snacks like dhokla, samosas, or sandwiches, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use an ice cube or ice-cold water while blending. The cold temperature helps prevent the herbs from oxidizing and turning dark, preserving the vibrant green color.
- 2Don't over-blend the chutney, as the heat from the blender's motor can also cause discoloration and a bitter taste. Use short pulses.
- 3For a richer flavor and thicker texture, add 1-2 tablespoons of roasted peanuts or roasted chana dal (dalia) while blending.
- 4To store, place the chutney in a clean, airtight glass jar. Pour a very thin layer of oil or an extra squeeze of lemon juice on top to minimize contact with air and prevent browning. It stays fresh for up to a week.
- 5For longer storage, pour the chutney into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag and use as needed.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Chutney
Add 2 tablespoons of fresh grated coconut or 1/4 cup of plain yogurt (curd) for a creamier texture and milder flavor. Note that adding yogurt will reduce its shelf life.
Nutty ChutneyNutty Chutney
Incorporate 2 tablespoons of roasted peanuts or a few cashews during blending for a nutty taste and thicker consistency.
Sweeter ChutneySweeter Chutney
For a hint of sweetness that pairs well with spicy snacks, add 1-2 pitted dates or a teaspoon of jaggery powder to the blender.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
Increase the number of green chilies or add a small piece of a spicier chili variety like a bird's eye chili for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Aids Digestion
Mint and ginger are well-known for their digestive properties. They can help soothe the stomach, reduce indigestion, and alleviate bloating. Asafoetida also aids in preventing gas.
Rich in Antioxidants
Coriander and mint are packed with antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body. Lemon juice adds a boost of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system.
Boosts Immunity
The combination of Vitamin C from lemon, antibacterial properties from ginger, and other phytonutrients from the fresh herbs helps strengthen the body's natural defense system.
Detoxifying Properties
Coriander is believed to have natural detoxifying properties, helping to cleanse the body of heavy metals and other toxins.
Frequently asked questions
One serving (about 1/4 cup or 55g) of this chutney contains approximately 15-20 calories, making it a very light and healthy condiment.
