Tamarind chutney, also known as Imli ki chutney, is a tangy and sweet condiment widely used in Indian cuisine, especially as a dipping sauce for snacks like samosas, pakoras, and chaats. Here’s a detailed recipe to make this flavorful chutney at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup seedless tamarind (imli)
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¾ – 1 cup jaggery or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ginger powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black salt (kala namak)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon dry ginger (saunth) powder
Instructions:
- Prepare Tamarind Pulp:
- In a bowl, soak the seedless tamarind in warm water for about 30-40 minutes, ensuring it softens.
- Once soft, mash the tamarind with your fingers, separating the pulp from the seeds and fibers. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, pressing it with a spoon to extract the pulp. Discard the solids and keep the smooth tamarind pulp aside.
- Cooking the Chutney:
- Heat oil in a saucepan or a small pot over medium heat.
- Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and stir for a few seconds.
- Pour the tamarind pulp into the pot and add water. Stir well to combine.
- Flavoring the Chutney:
- Add jaggery (or sugar), roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, ginger powder, black salt, and regular salt to the tamarind mixture.
- Stir continuously on medium heat until the jaggery or sugar completely dissolves.
- Add dry ginger (saunth) powder for an added flavor dimension.
- Simmer and Reduce:
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to low.
- Let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chutney thickens to a syrup-like consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Cool and Store:
- Turn off the heat and let the chutney cool down to room temperature.
- Once cooled, transfer it to a clean, airtight container and refrigerate. It will continue to thicken as it cools down.
- Serve:
- Tamarind chutney is ready to serve. Use it as a dipping sauce for snacks or as a flavorful addition to various chaats and Indian dishes.
Adjust the sweetness, spiciness, and consistency according to your preference while preparing this versatile and delicious Tamarind Chutney.
