Mint Coriander Chutney
A vibrant, refreshing Indian green chutney made with fresh mint and cilantro. This versatile condiment is tangy, slightly spicy, and pairs perfectly with samosas, chaat, and sandwiches.
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 grit.
- c.Pick the mint leaves from the stems. For coriander, you can use the tender, thin stems as they are full of flavor, but discard the thick, tough lower stems.
- d.Pat the herbs dry gently with a paper towel or use a salad spinner.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Blend the Chutney (3 minutes)
- b.In a high-speed blender jar, add the mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, chopped ginger, cumin seeds, black salt, regular salt, and optional sugar.
- c.Pour in the fresh lemon juice. Add 2-3 ice cubes or 2 tablespoons of very cold water. This is the key to keeping the chutney's color bright green.
- d.Blend on high speed until you get a smooth, uniform paste. Scrape down the sides of the jar once or twice to ensure everything is blended evenly. If the chutney is too thick to blend, add another tablespoon of cold water, but avoid adding too much to prevent it from becoming watery.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Taste, Adjust, and Serve (2 minutes)
- b.Once blended, taste the chutney. Adjust the seasoning as needed – you might want more salt for savoriness, lemon juice for tang, or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- c.Transfer the chutney to a clean, airtight glass jar.
- d.Serve immediately with snacks like samosas, pakoras, or kebabs, or use it as a spread for sandwiches.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To maintain the vibrant green color, always use ice cubes or ice-cold water while blending. The heat from the blender blades can cause the herbs to oxidize and darken.
- 2Lemon juice is crucial not just for its tangy flavor but also as a natural preservative that helps prevent the chutney from browning.
- 3For a thicker, spreadable consistency perfect for sandwiches, add a slice of bread (crusts removed) or 2 tablespoons of roasted peanuts or roasted gram dal (dalia) while blending.
- 4Do not over-blend the chutney, as this can generate excess heat and make it bitter.
- 5Store the chutney in an airtight glass jar in the coldest part of your refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 5 days.
- 6For long-term storage, pour the chutney into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag. This allows you to use small portions as needed.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Chutney
For a milder, creamier texture, blend in 2-3 tablespoons of thick plain yogurt (curd) or a small amount of fresh coconut after the initial blending.
Nutty ChutneyNutty Chutney
Add a handful of roasted peanuts or a few cashews to the blender for a rich, nutty flavor and thicker consistency.
Tangy TwistTangy Twist
During raw mango season, add a small, peeled piece of raw mango (kairi) for an extra tangy kick. You can reduce the lemon juice accordingly.
Garlic FlavorGarlic Flavor
For a pungent flavor, add 1-2 cloves of garlic along with the ginger.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Aids Digestion
Mint is renowned for its ability to soothe the stomach and promote digestion. Combined with ginger and cumin, this chutney can help alleviate indigestion and bloating.
Rich in Antioxidants
Both coriander and mint are loaded with powerful antioxidants that help protect the body against cellular damage caused by free radicals, supporting overall health.
Immunity Booster
The fresh herbs and lemon juice provide a good dose of Vitamin C and other essential nutrients that help strengthen the immune system and fight off infections.
Natural Detoxifier
Coriander is believed to have natural chelating properties, which may help the body detoxify by binding to heavy metals and flushing them out.
Frequently asked questions
The chutney turns dark due to oxidation when the herbs are exposed to air and heat. To prevent this, use very cold water or ice cubes while blending, add lemon juice, and store it in a tightly sealed airtight container immediately after making it.