Spicy Amla & Cilantro Chutney
A vibrant and zingy chutney that balances the sharp tang of fresh Indian gooseberries with the freshness of cilantro and a kick of green chili. This no-cook condiment comes together in minutes and adds a burst of flavor to any Indian meal.
For 8 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Prepare the amla.
Wash the amla thoroughly. Cut and remove the seeds, then roughly chop the flesh into small pieces.
- mix · ~2 min
Blend the chutney.
1.Add chopped amla, coriander leaves, green chilies, ginger, cumin seeds, salt, and lemon juice to a blender jar.2.Add 1-2 tablespoons of chilled water to help the blades move.3.Blend to a smooth paste, scraping down the sides as needed.TIPChilled water prevents the chutney from heating up and helps retain its bright green color. - temper · ~1 min
Make the tempering.
1.Heat oil in a small tadka pan over medium heat until it shimmers.2.Add mustard seeds and let them splutter for 20 seconds.3.Add the broken dried red chili and sauté for 10 seconds until fragrant.TIPPour the hot tempering over the chutney immediately to release all the aromatic flavors. - mix · ~1 min
Mix and serve.
Pour the hot tempering over the ground chutney and stir well to combine. Transfer to a serving bowl.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use only fresh amla with firm, green skin for the best tartness and texture.
- 2Remove the central seed of the amla completely to avoid bitter or woody bits in the chutney.
- 3Add the chilled water gradually—just enough to let the blender run; too much will make the chutney runny.
- 4Taste the green chili before adding; adjust the quantity based on its heat level and your preference.
- 5Pour the hot tadka immediately over the chutney and stir; this releases the mustard oil aroma fully.
- 6Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days; the tempering helps preserve freshness.
- 7For a smoother consistency, scrape down the blender sides twice while blending.
Adapt it for your goals.
No-Oil / Low-Oil
Skip the tempering step entirely and simply blend all ingredients with an extra squeeze of lemon juice. This keeps the chutney raw, oil-free, and even more tart for a lighter, calorie-conscious option.
Minty TwistMinty Twist
Replace half the cilantro with fresh mint leaves. This adds a cooling, slightly sweet note that pairs beautifully with the tangy amla and spicy green chili, especially with biryani or grilled meats.
Sweet & TangySweet & Tangy
Add 1 tablespoon of jaggery or brown sugar to the blender along with the other ingredients. The sweetness balances the intense sourness of amla and makes the chutney more kid-friendly.
Garlic Lover'sGarlic Lover's
Add 2 peeled garlic cloves to the blender. The garlic adds a pungent, savory depth that complements the ginger and cumin, creating a more robust dipping chutney for samosas or pakoras.
Creamy VeganCreamy Vegan
Blend in 2 tablespoons of soaked raw peanuts or cashews along with the water. This gives the chutney a rich, creamy texture and a nutty undertone, making it a great spread for sandwiches or wraps.
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, collagen production, and antioxidant protection.
Digestive Support
The combination of ginger, cumin, and amla stimulates digestive enzymes and can help reduce bloating and indigestion after heavy meals.
Low in Calories & Fat
This chutney is made primarily from fresh produce and spices, with just one teaspoon of oil in the tempering, making it a low-calorie condiment.
Natural Detoxifier
Cilantro is known for its ability to bind heavy metals and support the body's natural detoxification processes, while amla promotes liver health.
Frequently asked questions
Dried amla is too hard and lacks the moisture needed for this chutney. Stick with fresh amla for the right texture, bright tang, and green color.







