Date and tamarind chutney, also known as Khajur Imli ki chutney, is a tangy and sweet condiment that pairs well with various Indian snacks like samosas, pakoras, and chaats. Here’s a simple recipe to make it at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup seedless tamarind
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup jaggery or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black salt
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- Water
Instructions:
- Soak the seedless tamarind in 1 cup of warm water for about 30 minutes to soften it.
- After soaking, mash the tamarind with your fingers to separate the pulp from the seeds and fibers. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to extract the pulp. Discard any remaining seeds and fibers.
- In a saucepan, combine the tamarind pulp, chopped dates, and jaggery (or brown sugar) with 1 cup of water. Stir well to combine.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dates are soft and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, black salt, ginger powder, garam masala powder, and regular salt to the mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Continue to simmer the chutney for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. If the chutney is too thick, you can add a little more water to thin it out.
- Once the chutney is done, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the cooled chutney to a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will thicken further as it cools.
Your homemade date and tamarind chutney is ready to serve! Enjoy it as a dip or condiment with your favorite snacks.
