A popular Indian condiment, this green chutney is made with coriander, mint, and chilies; and is served with chaat, sandwich, and all kinds of snacks! And the best part is – all you need is a blender or a mortar and pestle and you can make a rather versatile condiment in under 15 minutes. There’s no cooking involved.
Chutneys and Indian Food go hand in hand. In fact, I’d even go so far as to say, Indian food – especially snacks – is incomplete without a suitable chutney. Depending on the region in India, and the local ingredients available there, there are countless chutney varieties one can enjoy! If you’ve attended an Indian buffet or party and found yourself in the irresistible snack section, chances are you’ve stumbled across at least 2 if not more chutneys. And this green chutney will undoubtedly be there.
It goes so well as a dipping sauce for samosas, kachoris, dhokla, and so many more snacks. This is also an integral part of the Chaat Food (street food scene), along with its sweeter companion the tamarind dates chutney. You can also mix this with yogurt for a different variation, or use it as a dressing for a salad. I mean, with fresh cilantro (coriander leaves), mint leaves, and garlic, what’s not to love about this chutney?
The only caveat for this chutney is: Make it in small batches and consume it within 5-7 days. It doesn’t get spoiled, if stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator, however, the leaves do tend to lose some color, and the bright green chutney will start to fade over time. Another trick I use to keep it fresh and green for a long time is to add some green bell pepper (capsicum) along with other ingredients, and this seems to slow down the browning of the chutney (don’t ask me how!). You can also adjust the consistency of the chutney. To make it thicker, you can add some peanuts, roasted gram, or a slice of bread. This will make it like pesto, and it’s perfect for sandwiches. If you’re looking for a dipping sauce, skip the bread. Either way, you’ll need a good blender, or use elbow grease grinding manually on a mortar and pestle.
Here is a quick video recipe on how to make this fresh green chutney at home –
Cilantro and Mint Chutney – Indian Green Chutney
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh Coriander or Cilantro Leaves
- 1 cup fresh Mint Leaves
- 2-4 pcs Green Chili Pepper
- 1/4 pc small Green Bell Pepper or Capsicum (optional)
- 1 pc Garlic clove
- 1 inch Ginger
- 1/2 slice Bread OR
- 1 Tbsp Chutney Dal Or Peanuts
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 pc small Lemon, freshly squeezed (adjust for sourness)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients (except lemon juice) into a blender, along with an ice cube. Blend to a smooth chutney. Adjust consistency by adding more water to loosen, or more bread or peanuts to thicken.
- Remove onto a jar, squeeze fresh lemon juice in it, mix well. Taste and adjust for seasoning.
- Store in airtight container in the fridge, and use within 7 days.
Video
If you’re planning to make Chaat at home, you’lll absolutely need this Coriander Mint Chutney, along with the following –
