Tamarind Date Chutney
Sweet-tangy north Indian chaat chutney with tamarind, dates, and roasted cumin.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Place the tamarind and pitted dates in a heat-proof bowl.
- b.Pour in warm water until the ingredients are fully submerged.
- c.Allow the mixture to sit for 60 minutes until softened.
TIPEnsure dates are completely pitted to protect your blender blades. - 2
Step 2
- a.Transfer the soaked mixture and water to a saucepan and boil for 8 minutes.
- b.Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- c.Process in a high-speed blender until the texture is uniform.
TIPCool the mixture before blending to prevent pressure buildup in the jar. - 3
Step 3
- a.Whisk in the ground ginger and roasted ground cumin.
- b.Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- c.Stir in additional water if a thinner, pourable consistency is desired.
TIPThe chutney thickens as it sits; add a splash of water before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, use dark, sticky dates like Medjool.
- 2Roasting the cumin powder before adding it enhances its aroma and taste.
- 3If your tamarind has seeds, soak it in hot water for an hour, squeeze out the pulp, and discard the seeds and fibers before cooking.
- 4The chutney thickens significantly upon cooling. If it becomes too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of hot water to adjust the consistency.
- 5For longer storage, freeze the chutney in ice cube trays and transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag.
- 6If you don't have jaggery, you can substitute with an equal amount of brown sugar or coconut sugar, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Version
Add 1-2 chopped green chilies along with the tamarind and dates while boiling for an extra kick of heat.
Fruity VersionFruity Version
Incorporate 1/4 cup of raisins or dried apricots along with the dates for added sweetness and texture.
Fresh Ginger VersionFresh Ginger Version
Use 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger instead of ginger powder for a sharper, more pungent flavor. Add it along with the spice powders.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Aids Digestion
Tamarind is known for its natural mild laxative properties, while spices like ginger powder and hing (asafoetida) can help reduce gas and bloating, promoting better digestive health.
Rich in Iron
Both dates and jaggery are excellent plant-based sources of iron, which is crucial for producing red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Source of Antioxidants
Tamarind, dates, and various spices used in the chutney are packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
A 1/4 cup serving of this Tamarind Date Chutney contains approximately 150-170 calories, primarily from the dates and jaggery.