Peanut chutney is a popular South Indian condiment made primarily from peanuts, along with spices and herbs. It’s typically served as a side dish with dosa, idli, vada, or other South Indian snacks. Here’s a basic recipe to make peanut chutney:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup roasted peanuts
- 2-3 small green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic (optional)
- 1 small piece of tamarind (about 1 teaspoon)
- Salt to taste
- Water (for adjusting consistency)
- For tempering:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- Few curry leaves
Instructions:
- Preparation: If you’re using raw peanuts, roast them until they are golden brown and let them cool. Remove the skins by rubbing the peanuts between your palms or using a kitchen towel. You can also use pre-roasted peanuts to save time.
- Blend: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted peanuts, green chilies, garlic, tamarind, and salt. Blend until you get a coarse paste.
- Adjust consistency: Add water gradually to adjust the consistency of the chutney. It should be smooth but not too runny.
- Tempering: Heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Mix: Pour the tempering over the peanut chutney and mix well.
- Serve: Peanut chutney is ready to serve. It pairs well with dosa, idli, vada, or any South Indian snack of your choice.
- Storage: You can store leftover chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
Feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your taste preferences. Some variations include adding grated coconut, ginger, or cilantro for added flavor. Enjoy your peanut chutney!
