Homemade Instant Tomato Chutney
Are you craving something tangy and spicy to accompany your meals? Try preparing the instant tomato chutney, a delicious, easy-to-make chutney that adds a burst of flavor to dishes like rice, dosa, idly, or even curd. The best part? This chutney lasts for months, making it a great staple to keep in your kitchen. In this blog, we will walk you through the process of preparing this mouth-watering chutney, perfect for any meal.
What is Instant Tomato Chutney?
Instant tomato chutney is a tangy, flavorful condiment made from tomatoes, tamarind, garlic, and aromatic spices. The chutney can be stored for long periods without losing flavor and freshness, making it a go-to recipe for busy days. It pairs wonderfully with South Indian dishes like dosa, idly, or even plain rice. This chutney is simple to prepare, and once made, it can stay fresh for several months.
Ingredients for Instant Tomato Chutney
Before we dive into the preparation, let’s gather all the ingredients you will need to make this instant tomato chutney:
* 1 kg of tomatoes (medium firm)
* 100 g tamarind (without seeds)
* 100 g red chili powder
* 100 g salt
* 2 tsp turmeric powder
* 2 tsp roasted fenugreek powder
* 4 tsp roasted mustard powder
* 50 g garlic cloves (peeled)
* 300 ml oil (preferably vegetable or sesame oil)
* 2 tsp black gram (urad dal)
* 2 tsp mustard seeds
* 1 pinch of cinnamon powder
* 10 garlic cloves (peeled)
* 10 dry red chilies
* 1 ½ tsp asafoetida (hing)
* Fresh curry leaves (cleaned)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Instant Tomato Chutney
Homemade Instant Tomato Chutney
1. Preparing the Tomatoes
Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly. Ensure that they are medium-firm, not too soft or too raw. Once cleaned, remove the seeds and cut the tomatoes into eight pieces each. Place the tomatoes in a clean strainer to remove any excess water.
2. Cooking the Tomatoes and Tamarind
Now, take a clean kadai (wok) and place the tomatoes in it. Add 100 g of tamarind (ensure it’s seedless) to the kadai. Cook the mixture over medium flame for 10 minutes with the lid closed. Stir the tomatoes occasionally, and once they are soft, remove the lid and cook on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes. Ensure to cook until most moisture is gone, leaving you with a thick paste.
3. Mixing the Spices
After the tomatoes have cooked, let the mixture cool down. Once cooled, add the following ingredients to the tomato mixture:
* 100 g red chili powder
* 100 g salt
* 2 tsp turmeric powder
* 2 tsp roasted fenugreek powder
* 4 tsp roasted mustard powder
* 50 g peeled garlic cloves
Mix everything well and grind the mixture into a smooth paste. You can divide this into two separate bowls if you prefer.
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4. Preparing the Oil Mixture
Heat a pan and add about 300 ml of oil (1 ½ cups). To the hot oil, add the following ingredients for tempering:
* 2 tsp black gram (urad dal)
* 2 tsp mustard seeds
* 1 pinch of cinnamon powder
* 10 garlic cloves (peeled)
* 10 dry red chilies
* 1 ½ tsp asafoetida (hing)
* Fresh curry leaves
Allow the tempering ingredients to fry until they turn golden brown. It will bring out the aromatic flavors in the oil, enhancing the chutney’s taste.
5. Mixing Everything
Once the tempering is done, add the prepared tomato paste to the pan. Keep the flame on low heat while stirring. Let it cook for another 5 minutes so the raw smell of the spices goes away and everything blends.
6. Storing the Instant Tomato Chutney
After cooking, let the chutney cool down completely. Once it’s cooled, transfer it into a clean, dry container. Avoid using steel bowls, as they can react with the chutney. Instead, opt for glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Always use a dry spoon when taking it out to ensure the chutney stays fresh for longer.
How Long Does Instant Tomato Chutney Last?
If stored properly in an airtight container, instant tomato chutney can last up to 6 months in the refrigerator. This long shelf life means you can always have a flavorful accompaniment on hand, relieving you of the stress of meal planning. It will remain good for about 4 months if kept outside the fridge, making it an ideal accompaniment for quick meals or snacks.
Health Benefits of Instant Tomato Chutney
Tomatoes, the main ingredient in this chutney, are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which help protect the body against free radicals. The garlic adds anti-inflammatory properties, while the tamarind provides a tangy taste and is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. The spices, such as turmeric and fenugreek, offer their array of health benefits, making this chutney not just tasty but also a reassuringly healthy addition to your meals.
Serving Ideas for Instant Tomato Chutney
Now that your instant tomato chutney is ready, here are a few ways you can enjoy it:
* With Rice: Pair the chutney with steamed rice for a quick and satisfying meal.
* With Dosa or Idly: This chutney is an excellent dip for crispy dosa or soft idly.
* With Dal: Mix the chutney with dal to boost your everyday lentil dish’s flavor.
* With Upma: Add it to Upma for a kick of spice and tang.
* With Curd: The chutney pairs beautifully with a bowl of curd, balancing the heat with the creaminess of yogurt.
Conclusion
Instant tomato chutney is a versatile, flavorful, easy-to-make condiment that can quickly elevate your meals. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can make a chutney that will last for months, always ready to spice up your dishes. This chutney will surely become a family favorite whether you serve it with rice, dosa, or dal. So, try this recipe and enjoy the bold flavors it brings to your meals.
FAQs
1. Can I use ripe tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes, medium-firm tomatoes are ideal for this chutney. Overripe tomatoes might make the chutney too watery.
2. Can I skip garlic or reduce its quantity?
Garlic adds a lot of flavor to the chutney, but if you prefer, you can reduce the amount or skip it entirely.
3. How can I make the chutney less spicy?
To reduce the spice, you can adjust the quantity of red chili powder or remove some of the dry red chilies used in tempering.
4. Can I store this chutney in a metal container?
It’s best to store it in a glass or plastic container to avoid any reaction with the metal.
Try making this instant tomato chutney today and enjoy the fresh flavors it brings to your meals.
