Oct 18, 22 By Gogoi

Chutneys – The Essence of Indian Meal & a Must Have on the Indian Table

Chutney is an integral part of Indian cuisine, originating from the tropical north. It is also widely used in other cuisines across the globe. Chutneys are condiments that accompany almost all Indian dishes. There are numerous varieties of chutneys and they vary in taste, texture, and color. 

A good chutney should have spices that can be sensed easily. The combination of spices should also complement each other and not overpower the dish it is added to. 

Chutney comes in different forms- it can be made as a relish with any vegetable or fruit or even mixed into rice, roti, or nan as a gravy accompaniment to meat or fish curry or pakora, onion rings, and much more such as a side dish. 

Here are some interesting facts about chutney.

Chutney Is One of The Oldest Indian Condiments.

Chutney is one of the oldest foods, dating back to 5000 BC. 

Archaeologists have unearthed evidence of ancient civilizations that prove the use of vegetables and fruits in different forms as a condiment. 

Chutney is made from a combination of fresh vegetables, spices, and fresh herbs. A good chutney should not be too sweet or too spicy. It should be a perfect balance between the two. 

There are many types of chutneys. You can choose the one that suits your taste best! 

Let’s explore some of the most common ones that can be found in every Indian Household – 

• Chutneys that you can have with dosa and idli such as coconut chutney, tomato, onion, and peanut chutney.
• Then there are chutney varieties that you consume with your chaats, sandwiches, and snacks such as coriander chutney, mint chutney, tamarind chutney, and spicy red chili chutney. Fried items like samosa, pakora, or kachori are the perfect items to consume with these types of chutneys.
• Then there are chutneys made with a variety of herbs, a combination of nuts and seeds, and lots of veggies and fruits which are usually consumed with rice in some Indian regions.

The Uses of the Indian Chutneys are Innumerable.

Chutney can be used as a side dish with vegetables and also added to curries for a flavor boost. 

Some of the best vegetables to use in a chutney are carrot, beetroot, capsicum, tomato, onion, Coriander leaves, Pudina, and many more. 

Chutney can also be used as a dip for roti or pakora or even added to sandwiches. If you are looking to add some flavor to your drink, then a good chutney can be added to your iced tea or even your favorite milk or water. 

Chutney can also be used as a marinade for your meats or fish. You can add some spices like turmeric and mustard seeds and let them marinate overnight or for a few hours. This gives your dish a nice color and flavor. 

Chutney can be used as a condiment while serving snacks like samosas, pakoras, and chaat. You can also add some chutney to your omelette or idli or even your rice or chapati.

How To Store Your Chutney? Here Are Some of The Top Tips & Tricks.

Chutney is a spicy but mild blend of spices, and one of those condiments which taste that tastes best when it’s made and served fresh. They are best suited to be made in a small batch. 

But at times, we make it in bulk so that we can consume it for a long period without having to prepare it frequently. A good rule of thumb is to consume it within 3 days of making it.

Having a proper Checklist to ensure that your chutneys don’t spoil is a must. 

Here are some of the best tips and tricks you can use to store your chutney so that you maintain its freshness and can consume it for a longer period. 

• Always store your chutneys in the fridge. This will ensure that the flavors stay fresh. 
• You can also make a chutney-scrape salsa by grinding whole green chilies, peanuts, sesame seeds, onion, tomatoes, and herbs. This will keep your chutney fresh for longer. 
• When you are making a chutney, always use vegetables and herbs that are fresh and of the best quality. Make sure that no pesticides or artificial fertilizers are used during their growth. 
• If you don’t consume the entire chutney within 3 days, then you can freeze it for later use. But make sure that the container you are freezing your chutney in is an airtight one. Freezing chutneys will make them last for a longer period. So, whenever you make a batch of chutney, freeze some for later use.
• Always sterilize the containers that you will use to store your chutneys.
• Store your Chutneys in Ceramic Jars as it’s one of the best quality materials that will preserve the taste and quality of your chutney for a long time.

Is it Healthy to Eat Chutney?

Chutneys are mainly used as condiments with different types of food dishes and snack items. They are side dishes and should not be consumed as a meal in itself. It’s healthy to eat chutney when consumed in smaller and reasonable portions. 

Never eat a large bowl of just the chutney as it can cause serious health issues. It’s usually made with lots of different spices. So, it’s not recommended to eat large quantities of chutney in any of your meals. Eat your chutney in reasonable quantities as a condiment.

Another angle to judge the healthiness of chutney is based on the ingredients that are used in its making. Chutneys are generally made with fresh ingredients. So, based on that, it’s healthy to consume chutney as a condiment with any of your preferred food items and snacks. 

Get the Best Ceramic Items to Store and Serve Your Chutneys.

The Artisan Emporium has one of the finest collections of small serving bowls and storage jars that you can use to store and serve your chutneys. Handmade with the best quality ceramic material, they are completely safe and healthy to use. Pick from a wide range of colors, designs, and patterns. Select the ones that best suit your home interiors and the ones that you prefer according to your requirements.