Tomato Onion Chutney
South Indian roasted tomato-onion chutney for dosa/idli.
For 8 servings
Sauté the base ingredients until softened
- Heat a teaspoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the dried red chilies, garlic, and onions.
- Sauté until onions turn translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and cook for 8 minutes until they become mushy.
TIPEnsure the tomatoes are fully softened to remove the raw metallic taste.Cool and blend into a coarse paste
Allow the sautéed mixture to cool completely to room temperature to prevent steam pressure in the blender. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and pulse until it reaches a coarse, textured consistency.
TIPAvoid over-blending into a smooth puree to maintain the traditional South Indian texture.Prepare the tempering and garnish
- Heat the remaining oil in a small tempering pan.
- Add mustard seeds and wait for them to crackle completely.
- Add urad dal and fry until it turns a light golden brown.
- Pour the hot tempering immediately over the blended chutney.
What to keep in mind.
3 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use ripe, vine-grown tomatoes for the best natural sweetness and color.
- 2Always let the mustard seeds finish crackling before adding the dal to avoid a bitter taste.
- 3If the chutney is too tangy, add a tiny pinch of jaggery or brown sugar to balance the acidity.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low sodium
Replace half the salt with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to maintain the flavor profile.
spicierSpicier
Increase the count of dried red chilies or add a half-teaspoon of red chili powder during sautéing.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Remove the seeds from the dried red chilies before cooking to significantly reduce the heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes provide highly bioavailable lycopene for heart health.
Immune Support
Garlic and onions contain allicin and quercetin to support immunity.
Low Glycemic Index
A high-flavor, low-carb side that helps manage blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense condiment rich in lycopene from tomatoes and heart-healthy sulfur compounds from garlic and onions.



