Hot and Cold Chutney

My sister was in town and we just have to get the creative juices flowing when we meet. Usually, we make a lot of craft stuff but this time we headed towards the kitchen. She was coming to my new house for the first time so I wanted to cook something for her, and so I made these two side chutneys (Indian side sauce to compliment any dish). One is a fresh coriander and mint chutney, and the second is an onion and tomato chutney which is quite like salsa but with an Indian twist.

Step 1: Coriander and Mint Chutney

This one is one is really fresh and healthy. There is no stove cooking involved. All you need is:

1) 100gms of Corriander leaves

2) 100 grams of Mint leaves

3) 1-2 lemons

4) 1 tsp of cumin seeds

5) Salt as per taste

6) 1-2 Green chillies (optional and depends on how much heat you can handle)

7) 5-6 Garlic cloves (optional)

Blender to blend them together

Step 2: Wash and Chop

Wash the coriander and mint thoroughly. Then roughly chop them so that they blend in the blender easily.

Step 3: Get Blend-y

Add the cumin, green chillies, garlic, mint & coriander leaves into the blender and then blend them all together. You may have to add them in sections so that they blend evenly. There should be no need to add water, and when you feel it is getting dry add in some lemon juice and salt.

Tip: As the volume of the leaves will reduce after churning, so add the salt and lemon later to better gauge their quantity.

And that's it this one is ready! Just smell those mint leaves. Now for the next one

Step 4: Tomato Chuney

This one is a tangy chutney made from tomatoes and onions. It's a mouth-watering Indian twist of salsa.

You will need:

1) Tomatoes 3

2) Onions 1-2

3) Garlic 5-6 cloves

4) Cooking Oil 2-3 tbsp (any will do I have used olive oil)

5) Mustard seeds 1 tsp

6) Salt as per taste

7) Red chilly powder 1tsp (Optional)

8) A pinch of sugar (optional)

Stove and pan for cooking

Step 5: Wash and Chop

Wash the tomatoes. Now chop the onions, garlic and tomatoes and finely as possible.

Step 6: Cook It All

Heat the pan, and add the oil. When the oil is hot add the curry leaves and the mustard seeds, they will immediately sprinkle. This gives your oil a flavour if you want you can remove the curry leaves from the oil now. Next, add the onions and garlic and cook them till they turn a golden brown. When the onions and ready, add the tomatoes, salt and red chilly powder.

Wait for the tomatoes to soften up a bit and then switch the flame off. You could also add a little bit of sugar now if you want.

And its done. Eating time :D

Step 7: Start the Binge

I served the chutneys with some homemade fried bread called mattis. They also serve well with chips, pita bread, sandwiches, fries, puffs, pasta, wraps, cutlets and anything else you feel suitable

They can be served refrigerated as well, no need for heating before eating.

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Happy Bingeing!