Onion tomato chutney is a vibrant, flavorful condiment that enhances the taste of various dishes. Whether you’re pairing it with dosa, idli, paratha, or rice, this chutney adds a delicious balance of tanginess, sweetness, and spice that elevates your meal. The combination of fresh onions, tomatoes, and a few simple ingredients results in a chutney that’s both aromatic and versatile. Let’s explore how to make this simple yet tasty chutney and why it should become a regular part of your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized onion (finely chopped)
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes (diced)
- 2-3 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oil (preferably sesame oil or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 small piece of tamarind or 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional for extra heat)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (optional for garnish)
Preparation:
- Heat the oil: In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds.
- Sauté onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Sauté them until they become soft and translucent. This process helps release the natural sweetness of the onions, forming the base of the chutney.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Once the onions are soft, add the diced tomatoes, dried red chilies, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Stir well and cook until the tomatoes break down and become soft, forming a thick, rich sauce.
- Tamarind and simmer: Add the tamarind pulp to the mixture. If using a tamarind piece, soak it in warm water for a few minutes and extract the pulp. Stir the chutney and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the chutney thickens.
- Seasoning: Add salt to taste. You can adjust the spices according to your preference—more chili for heat, or a little sugar to balance the tanginess.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves (optional). Your onion tomato chutney is now ready to serve.
Tips for the Best Onion Tomato Chutney:
- Adjust sweetness and tanginess: Some people like their chutney sweeter, while others prefer it tangier. You can adjust the amount of tamarind or even add a bit of jaggery or sugar to suit your taste.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes: The tomatoes should be juicy and ripe for the chutney to have a rich flavor. Overripe or under-ripe tomatoes can affect the taste.
- Blend for smooth chutney: If you prefer a smoother chutney, blend the mixture after it’s cooled down, but don’t puree it completely. A chunky texture adds more depth to the chutney.
Health Benefits:
Onion tomato chutney is not just delicious, but also healthy. Onions are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which are good for heart health and immunity. Tomatoes are packed with vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and improves skin health. The spices used in the chutney also contain anti-inflammatory properties.
How to Serve Onion Tomato Chutney:
- With Indian breakfast items: It’s a perfect accompaniment to South Indian dishes like dosa, idli, vada, or upma.
- With snacks and starters: It pairs wonderfully with fried snacks like samosas, pakoras, or even roasted vegetables.
- As a side dish: Serve it with paratha, rice, or curries to enhance the overall flavor profile of your meal.
Conclusion:
Onion tomato chutney is one of those versatile condiments that can transform the simplest of meals into something extraordinary. The blend of onions, tomatoes, and spices creates a perfect balance of flavors that complement both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Easy to prepare and bursting with taste, this chutney will quickly become your go-to accompaniment for any meal. Enjoy the rich, bold flavors of onion tomato chutney the next time you’re looking to spice up your food!
