Tamatar ki chutney, or Tomato Chutney, is a tangy and flavorful condiment made from tomatoes and spices. It pairs wonderfully with various Indian dishes and can elevate the taste of simple meals. Here’s a detailed recipe to make Tamatar ki Chutney at home:
Ingredients:
- 4-5 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1-2 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated or finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons jaggery or sugar (adjust to taste)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Heat oil in a pan or a skillet over medium heat.
- Tempering:
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds and dried red chilies. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Adding Aromatics:
- Add grated or finely chopped ginger and minced garlic. Sauté for a minute until they turn golden brown and release their aroma.
- Tomato Mixture:
- Add chopped tomatoes to the pan. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
- Spices:
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to combine all the spices with the tomatoes.
- Cooking:
- Cook the mixture on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes completely break down and turn mushy. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Sweetening:
- Add jaggery or sugar to balance the tanginess of the tomatoes. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preferences.
- Simmering:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chutney simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chutney to thicken to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once done, turn off the heat. Garnish the tomato chutney with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Cool and Store:
- Allow the chutney to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to a clean, airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Serve this delicious Tamatar ki Chutney as a side with Indian meals, snacks like samosas or pakoras, or as a flavorful accompaniment to various dishes. Adjust the spices and sweetness according to your taste preferences while preparing this versatile condiment.
