No-Sugar Amla-Mint Chutney
A bright, zingy chutney that balances the natural tartness of fresh Indian gooseberries with cooling mint and a gentle warmth from roasted cumin. No added sugar, just the clean, vibrant taste of amla and fresh herbs. Pairs beautifully with parathas, grilled vegetables, or as a digestive side on any Indian thali.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Roast the cumin seeds.
Place cumin seeds in a small pan over low heat. Dry roast for 1-2 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until fragrant and slightly darker in color. Transfer to a plate to cool.
TIPWatch closely — cumin burns fast. The moment you smell the aroma, remove from heat. - prep · ~3 min
Deseed and chop the amla.
Wash the amla well. Cut each fruit and twist to remove the seed. Roughly chop the flesh into small pieces for easy grinding.
- mix · ~2 min
Grind the chutney base.
1.Add chopped amla, mint leaves, green chili, and ginger to a blender jar.2.Add roasted cumin seeds and salt.3.Splash 3 tablespoons of water and grind to a coarse or smooth paste, as preferred.TIPGrind amla first with a little water before adding mint to prevent the leaves from turning dark. - mix · ~1 min
Adjust consistency.
Scrape down the sides with a spatula. If the chutney is too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time and pulse until it reaches a thick, spoonable consistency.
- temper · ~1 min
Make the tempering.
1.Heat oil in the small pan over medium heat until shimmering.2.Add mustard seeds and let them pop (30 seconds).3.Add curry leaves and asafoetida, stir for 10 seconds until fragrant.TIPPour the tempering over the chutney immediately while it's still sizzling — this blooms the flavors. - mix · ~1 min
Combine and serve.
Pour the hot tempering over the ground chutney. Stir well to mix. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve fresh or refrigerate for later.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rub a little salt on the amla pieces before grinding to reduce their raw tartness.
- 2Dry-roast the cumin seeds on low heat and let them cool completely before grinding for maximum aroma.
- 3Add a few ice cubes to the blender when grinding to keep the mint bright green.
- 4Store the chutney in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 5 days; stir before serving.
- 5If the chutney tastes too sour, balance with a tiny pinch of black salt or roasted cumin powder.
Adapt it for your goals.
No-temper (quick) version
Skip the tempering step entirely and simply stir in a pinch of roasted cumin powder and red chili flakes before serving. Ideal for a 2-minute chutney fix without losing the cumin warmth.
Herb blend versionHerb-blend version
Replace half the mint with fresh coriander leaves for a more rounded green flavor. This variation appeals to those who find straight amla-mint too sharp.
Creamy variationCreamy variation
Add 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt or hung curd while grinding for a milder, creamier chutney that softens the amla's tart edge, perfect as a spread or dip.
Sweet spicy versionSweet-spicy version
Add 1 small seedless date or a teaspoon of jaggery powder to the blender. The natural sweetness counterbalances amla's sourness, making this version kid-friendly and ideal with spicy snacks.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Amla (Indian gooseberry) is one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production.
Digestive Aid
Mint, ginger, cumin, and asafoetida are all known in Ayurveda to aid digestion and reduce bloating, making this chutney a traditional digestive side.
Low Calorie & Sugar-Free
This chutney contains no added sugar or heavy fats, making it a guilt-free accompaniment that enhances meals without extra calories.
Antioxidant Boost
The combination of amla, mint, and curry leaves provides a variety of antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh amla gives the best texture and bright tartness. Dried amla is hard and less juicy, so you'd need to soak it in warm water for at least 4 hours and then grind with extra water. The flavor will be milder and less vibrant.







