Red Chutney
A vibrant and spicy South Indian condiment made with dried red chilies, lentils, and tamarind. This versatile chutney, also known as Kara Chutney, is the perfect fiery accompaniment for idli, dosa, and uttapam.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté the Chutney Base
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
- c.Add 1 tbsp chana dal and 1 tbsp (3 tsp) of urad dal. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until they turn light golden and aromatic.
- d.Add the dried red chilies and roughly chopped garlic cloves. Sauté for another minute until the chilies puff up slightly and are fragrant.
- e.Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- f.Add the chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
- g.Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down completely. This is crucial for the right texture and to prevent steam buildup in the grinder.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Grind to a Smooth Paste
- b.Transfer the cooled mixture to a high-speed blender or grinder jar.
- c.Add the tamarind paste, optional jaggery, and the remaining salt.
- d.Grind to a smooth paste. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water at a time, only as needed, to facilitate grinding and achieve a thick consistency.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of sesame oil in a small tadka pan over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter completely.
- d.Add the remaining 1/2 tsp of urad dal and fry until it turns golden brown.
- e.Add the curry leaves and hing. Be careful as the leaves will crackle. Sauté for a few seconds until the leaves are crisp.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Pour the hot tempering over the ground chutney in the serving bowl.
- c.Mix well to combine. Your authentic Red Chutney is ready to be served.
- d.Serve as a side with hot idlis, crispy dosas, uttapam, or even vada.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a vibrant red color without excessive heat, use Kashmiri or Byadgi red chilies. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.
- 2Ensure the sautéed mixture is completely cool before grinding. Grinding a hot mixture can alter the taste and may cause the blender lid to pop off.
- 3Add water sparingly while grinding. This chutney is meant to be thick, not runny.
- 4Roasting the dals until golden brown is key to achieving the characteristic nutty and aromatic flavor.
- 5Sesame oil (gingelly oil) lends an authentic flavor to this chutney, but you can use any neutral vegetable oil if it's not available.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Coconut
Add 1/4 cup of freshly grated coconut while sautéing the onions and tomatoes for a richer, slightly sweeter flavor and creamier texture.
With PeanutsWith Peanuts
For a nutty twist, add 2 tablespoons of roasted peanuts to the grinder jar along with the sautéed mixture.
No Onion/GarlicNo Onion/Garlic
For a sattvic or Jain-friendly version, you can omit the onion and garlic. The chutney will still be flavorful from the dals, chilies, and tamarind.
Milder VersionMilder Version
To reduce the heat, deseed the dried red chilies before sautéing them or reduce the number of chilies used.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Boosts Metabolism
The capsaicin found in red chilies is known to have metabolism-boosting properties, which can aid in weight management.
Aids Digestion
Ingredients like hing (asafoetida) and curry leaves are traditionally used in Indian cuisine to improve digestion and prevent bloating.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, and garlic contains allicin, both of which are powerful antioxidants that help fight free radical damage in the body.
Good Source of Plant Protein
The inclusion of chana dal and urad dal provides a good amount of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Red Chutney (about 1/4 cup or 60g) contains approximately 90-110 calories, primarily from the oil and lentils.
