How To Make Authentic Mint Chutney

Mint chutney is a flavourful and versatile condiment that complements a wide range of dishes, from Indian cuisine to sandwiches and salads. It’s easy to make and requires just a few basic ingredients. Here’s a beginner’s guide to making mint chutney:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh mint leaves, washed and stems removed
• 1 cup fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, washed and stems removed
• 1-2 green chillies (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1-inch piece of ginger peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2-3 ice cubes (yes, not the basic water)
• 1-2 tablespoons thick yogurt (optional, for creaminess)

Follow the steps:

• Prep the Ingredients:
  • Wash the mint and cilantro leaves thoroughly and remove any tough stems.
  • Peel and chop the ginger and garlic.
  • Roughly chop the onion and green chillies.
• Blend the Herbs and Aromatics:
  • In a blender or food processor, add the mint leaves, cilantro leaves, green chillies, onion, ginger, and garlic.
  • Pulse a few times to chop them coarsely.
• Add Seasonings:
  • Add the cumin seeds, salt, and sugar (if using) to the blender.
• Blend Until Smooth:
  • Start blending the mixture. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure everything gets well blended.
  • If the mixture is too thick to blend, add one to two ice cubes to help it along. The consistency should be like a thick paste.
• Adjust Seasonings:
  • Taste the chutney and adjust the salt and lemon juice to your preference. You can also add more green chillies if you like it spicier.
• Optional Creaminess:
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, add 1-2 tablespoons of yoghurt and blend again until well combined.
• Serve:
  • Transfer the mint chutney to a serving bowl.
  • You can serve it immediately, or you can refrigerate it for later use. It stays fresh for a few days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips:

• Mint chutney can be customized to your taste. You can add a pinch of roasted cumin powder, a small piece of tamarind for tanginess, or a dash of garam masala for extra flavour.
• Adjust the number of green chillies to control the spiciness. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder chutney.
• Sugar is optional but can help balance the flavours, especially if the mint leaves are very pungent.
• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavour and aroma.

Dishes To Enjoy Mint Chutney With

Mint chutney is incredibly versatile and can complement a wide range of dishes, adding a burst of fresh, tangy, and spicy flavour. Here are some foods and dishes that mint chutney pairs exceptionally well with:

• Indian Snacks and Appetizers:
  • Samosas
  • Pakoras (fried fritters)
  • Chaat (street food snacks)
  • Kebabs (e.g., chicken, lamb, or vegetarian)
  • Aloo Tikki (potato patties)
  • Dhokla (steamed savory cakes)
  • Pani Puri (crispy hollow shells filled with spicy tamarind water)
• Indian Main Courses:
  • Biryani (flavoured rice dish)
  • Tandoori dishes (e.g., chicken tikka or tandoori paneer)
  • Roti, Paratha, or Naan (Indian bread)
  • Rice and dal (lentil curry)
  • Grilled or roasted meats and seafood
• Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cuisine:
  • Falafel
  • Shawarma or kebabs
  • Hummus
  • Grilled chicken or lamb dishes
  • Greek or Mediterranean salads
• Sandwiches and Wraps:
  • Use it as a spread in sandwiches or wraps, especially with grilled vegetables, chicken, or lamb.
• Salads:
  • Toss mint chutney with a green salad or a chickpea salad for added flavour.
• Roasted Vegetables:
  • Drizzle it over roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or cauliflower.
• Rice Dishes:
  • Mint chutney can be a refreshing condiment to accompany rice dishes like pulao or biryani.
• Grilled Meats and Seafood:
  • Serve it alongside grilled or barbecued meats and seafood to add a fresh contrast.
• Yogurt-Based Dishes:
  • Mix it with yoghurt to create a flavorful raita, which can be served as a side dish or dip.
• Bread and Savory Pastries:
  • Enjoy it with bread rolls, savoury pastries, or stuffed bread like calzones or empanadas.

Mint chutney’s cooling and refreshing qualities make it a delightful addition to a wide variety of foods, enhancing its overall taste and appeal.

Take a look at the Recipes section for more mouthwatering treats.