Javas Chutney
Nutty, earthy flaxseed chutney from Maharashtra with roasted seeds, garlic, red chili, and a bright touch of cumin. It comes together quickly and adds deep flavor to bhakri, roti, or simple dal-rice meals.
For 8 servings
- roast · ~6 min
Roast the flaxseed and spices.
1.Heat a dry pan over low to medium heat.2.Add flaxseed and roast, stirring often, until aromatic and lightly crackling, 4 to 5 minutes.3.Add dried red chili and cumin seeds to the same pan and roast for 30 to 45 seconds.4.Take everything off the heat and let it cool completely.TIPKeep the heat moderate so the flaxseed turns fragrant without tasting bitter. - mix · ~1 min
Grind the chutney.
1.Add the cooled flaxseed mixture to a spice grinder or small mixer jar.2.Add garlic and salt.3.Pulse a few times until the mixture turns into a coarse, dry chutney.4.Avoid grinding too long or the flaxseed may release oil and turn pasty. - serve
Serve the javas chutney.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Cool the roasted flaxseed completely before grinding, or trapped steam can make the chutney clump.
- 2Stop roasting as soon as the seeds smell nutty and begin to crackle; darker roasting can make javas chutney bitter.
- 3Pulse in short bursts to keep the texture coarse and sandy rather than oily and pasty.
- 4If your garlic cloves are very large or pungent, start with fewer and adjust after tasting the first grind.
- 5For a longer shelf life, store the chutney in an airtight jar in the refrigerator and always use a dry spoon.
- 6Serve it with a few drops of oil or ghee on bhakri or roti to help the dry chutney coat each bite evenly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Milder
Use fewer dried red chilies for a gentler heat while keeping the nutty flaxseed flavor front and center.
spicierSpicier
Add extra dried red chilies or a hotter variety if you want a sharper, more assertive chutney for bhakri.
garlickyGarlicky
Increase the garlic slightly for a more pungent version that pairs especially well with plain dal-rice.
with peanutWith-peanut
Replace part of the flaxseed with roasted peanuts for a richer, slightly sweeter chutney with more body.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Good Fats
Flaxseed brings beneficial fats and makes this dry chutney a nutrient-dense accompaniment in small spoonfuls.
Source of Fiber
The flaxseed base contributes fiber, which can make this condiment more filling than many plain spice mixes.
Made Without Added Oil
Because the ingredients are dry-roasted, the chutney develops deep flavor without needing extra cooking oil.
Frequently asked questions
It was likely ground too long. Flaxseed releases oil quickly, so pulse only until the mixture is coarse and crumbly.
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