Hari Chutney
A vibrant, fresh, and tangy Indian green chutney made with cilantro and mint. This versatile, no-cook condiment is the perfect dip for snacks like samosas and pakoras, a zesty spread for sandwiches, or a flavorful accompaniment to grilled meats and vegetables.
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.
- c.Pat them dry gently with a kitchen towel. This prevents the chutney from becoming watery.
- d.Use tender coriander stems but discard any thick, tough ones. Pluck the mint leaves from their stems, as mint stems can be bitter.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine Ingredients in Blender (2 minutes)
- b.Place the prepared coriander and mint leaves into a high-speed blender or grinder jar.
- c.Add the green chilies (stems removed), chopped ginger, garlic cloves (if using), cumin seeds, lemon juice, curd (if using), salt, and sugar.
- d.Finally, add the ice cubes. The cold temperature helps prevent the herbs from oxidizing and turning dark during blending.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Blend to a Smooth Paste (3 minutes)
- b.Blend the ingredients on high speed until you achieve a smooth, uniform paste.
- c.You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender jar once or twice to ensure everything is well combined.
- d.If the mixture is too thick to blend smoothly, add 1 tablespoon of cold water at a time and blend again until you reach the desired consistency.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Taste, Adjust, and Serve (2 minutes)
- b.Once blended, taste the chutney and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add more salt, lemon juice, or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- c.Transfer the hari chutney to a clean, airtight glass jar.
- d.Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most vibrant green color, use very cold water or ice cubes while blending. This slows down the oxidation process.
- 2To enhance the flavor, lightly dry roast the cumin seeds in a pan for 30-40 seconds until fragrant before adding them to the blender.
- 3The ratio of coriander to mint is key. A common ratio is 2:1. Using too much mint can make the chutney taste bitter or medicinal.
- 4Lemon juice is crucial not just for its tangy flavor but also for preserving the chutney's bright green color.
- 5For long-term storage, pour the chutney into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Vegan Chutney
For a creamy, vegan version, omit the curd and add 2 tablespoons of roasted peanuts, cashews, or a small amount of fresh coconut while blending.
Mumbai Street Style ChutneyMumbai Street-Style Chutney
Add a slice of plain white bread (crusts removed) or 2 tablespoons of roasted gram (bhuna chana) while blending. This makes the chutney thicker and is perfect for sandwiches.
Tangy & PungentTangy & Pungent
Add 1/4 teaspoon of black salt (kala namak) and 1/4 teaspoon of chaat masala for an extra layer of tangy, savory flavor, ideal for chaat dishes.
Fasting (Vrat) VersionFasting (Vrat) Version
For religious fasting, use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt and omit the garlic.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cilantro and mint are loaded with antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Aids Digestion
Ingredients like ginger, mint, and cumin seeds are traditionally known to stimulate digestive enzymes, soothe the stomach, and improve overall gut health.
Boosts Immunity
The high content of Vitamin C from both the fresh herbs and lemon juice helps strengthen the immune system and fight off infections.
Detoxifying Properties
Cilantro is believed to have natural detoxifying properties that can help cleanse the body of heavy metals and other toxins.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Hari Chutney is very healthy. It's made from fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, which are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It's low in calories and fat, making it a great way to add flavor to meals without unhealthy additives.