Indian Carrot Chutney Recipe

Kokila Chokkanathan
Indian Carrot Chutney is a vibrant, flavorful chutney made from fresh carrots, spices, and herbs. This chutney combines the natural sweetness of carrots with tangy, spicy, and aromatic flavors, making it a perfect accompaniment to dosa, idli, paratha, or even as a spread for sandwiches. It’s an easy-to-make chutney that adds a refreshing twist to your meals. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe for Indian Carrot Chutney:

Indian Carrot Chutney Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 large carrots, peeled and grated
  • 1-2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to spice preference)
  • 1 tbsp tamarind pulp (or 1 small lemon's juice)
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
  • 1 tbsp oil (vegetable oil or sesame oil)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp jaggery or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
For Tempering (Tadka):

  • 1 tsp oil
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 dried red chili (optional)
  • 1 sprig curry leaves (optional)
Preparation:

1. Cook the Carrots:

  • In a pan, heat 1 tbsp oil on medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
  • Add the grated carrots and sauté for about 5-7 minutes on medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the carrots from burning. The carrots should soften slightly, but still retain some crunch.
  • Add turmeric powder and salt, and mix well.
2. Add the Aromatics:

  • Add ginger-garlic paste to the sautéed carrots and cook for 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  • Add the chopped green chilies, and cook for another minute.
  • Now, add the tamarind pulp (or lemon juice) and red chili powder. Stir everything well to combine.
  • If you'd like a sweeter chutney, add jaggery or sugar at this stage. Mix well, and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. The mixture will thicken slightly.
3. Cool and Grind:

  • Once the carrots are cooked and the flavors have blended, remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
  • Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend it into a smooth chutney, adding a little water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):

  • In a small pan, heat 1 tsp oil. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and dried red chili. Let them splutter for a few seconds.
  • Add curry leaves (optional) and sauté for another 10-15 seconds, letting the leaves crisp up.
  • Pour this hot tempering over the prepared carrot chutney.
5. Garnish and Serve:

  • Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
  • Serve the chutney with idli, dosa, paratha, rice, or as a spread for sandwiches.
Tips for Making Perfect Carrot Chutney:

1. Adjusting Spice Levels: You can increase or decrease the number of green chilies or red chili powder to suit your spice preference. If you prefer a milder chutney, you can skip the green chilies or reduce the quantity.

2. Sweetness: If you're using jaggery, adjust the amount to your sweetness preference. The jaggery also adds a deep flavor, but if you don’t have it, sugar works just fine.

3. Tamarind or Lemon: tamarind gives a tangier taste, while lemon juice adds freshness. Use whichever you prefer or have available.

4. Consistency: For a thicker chutney, reduce the amount of water when grinding. For a more liquid chutney, add water as needed during the grinding process.

5. Storage: This chutney stays fresh for up to 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions:

  • With Idli/Dosa: This carrot chutney pairs wonderfully with idli, dosa, and vada. The tangy and spicy flavors complement the softness of the idlis or crispiness of dosas perfectly.
  • With Paratha/Chapati: You can also serve it as a side dish with paratha or chapati.
  • As a Spread: Use it as a healthy and tasty spread for sandwiches or wraps. It adds a fresh, spicy zing to the fillings.
Conclusion:

Indian Carrot Chutney is a simple, flavorful, and healthy chutney that can brighten up any meal. The sweetness of the carrots, combined with tangy tamarind (or lemon), spicy chilies, and aromatic spices, creates a delicious contrast of flavors. Whether served as an accompaniment to South indian breakfasts or as a side with any meal, this chutney will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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