Spicy Amla & Mint Chutney
This vibrant Spicy Amla & Mint Chutney is a zesty, sour, and spicy condiment that brightens any meal, leveraging the incredible tartness of Indian gooseberries balanced with fresh herbs and aromatic spices.
For 6 servings
**Prepare Amla**: Thoroughly wash the Indian gooseberries (amla). Using a sharp knife, carefully cut around the central seed to remove the flesh. Discard the seeds and roughly chop the amla flesh.
**Prepare Herbs & Aromatics**: Wash the fresh cilantro and mint leaves thoroughly and pat them dry. Peel the fresh ginger and roughly chop it. Remove the stems from the green chilies.
**Combine Ingredients**: Transfer the chopped amla, fresh cilantro, mint leaves, green chilies, chopped ginger, cumin powder, black salt, and table salt into a high-speed blender or food processor.
**Initial Blend**: Begin blending the ingredients without adding water. Pulse a few times to break down the larger pieces.
**Achieve Smooth Consistency**: Gradually add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, while continuing to blend. Scrape down the sides of the blender as needed, until a smooth, vibrant green chutney is formed. The consistency should be thick but pourable.
**Taste and Adjust**: Taste the chutney and adjust the seasoning as necessary. You might want to add more salt, a tiny pinch of sugar to balance the tartness, or another green chili for extra heat.
**Serve or Store**: Serve the Spicy Amla & Mint Chutney immediately as a condiment with your favorite Indian dishes, grilled meats, or as a spread in sandwiches and wraps. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Freshness is Key**: Always use fresh amla, cilantro, and mint for the best flavor and vibrant color. Wilted herbs will result in a duller taste and appearance.
- 2**Adjusting Spice**: Start with fewer green chilies and add more if you prefer a hotter chutney. You can also deseed the chilies for less heat.
- 3**Balancing Tartness**: If the amla is exceptionally tart, a tiny pinch of jaggery or sugar (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) can be added during blending to balance the flavors without making it sweet.
- 4**Storage**: This chutney keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in ice cube trays and then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag.
Adapt it for your goals.
Garlic Infusion
Add 1-2 cloves of peeled garlic along with the ginger for a more pungent and robust flavor profile.
Nutty TextureNutty Texture
For added texture and a slightly richer taste, blend in 1/4 cup of roasted peanuts or roasted chana dal (split chickpeas) along with the other ingredients.
Tempered ChutneyTempered Chutney
For a traditional touch, heat 1 tsp oil, add 1/4 tsp mustard seeds and a pinch of asafoetida. Once the seeds splutter, pour this tempering over the finished chutney.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Amla (Indian gooseberry) is an exceptionally rich source of Vitamin C, boosting immunity and acting as a powerful antioxidant.
Aids Digestion
Mint and ginger are known for their digestive properties, helping to soothe the stomach, reduce bloating, and improve overall gut health.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
The combination of amla, cilantro, and mint provides a high dose of antioxidants, which combat free radicals and support cellular health.
Frequently asked questions
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this chutney will stay fresh for 5-7 days.
