Coconut Chutney
A fresh and flavorful South Indian condiment made from ground coconut, chilies, and spices, finished with a fragrant tempering. It's an essential accompaniment to dishes like dosa, idli, vada, and uttapam.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Fresh coconut(Grated or chopped. Frozen and thawed coconut can be used if fresh is unavailable.)
- 1-2 Green chilies(Adjust to your spice preference. Remove seeds for milder heat.)
- 1 tbsp Roasted chana dal (dalia)(Also known as split chickpeas. Adds a subtle nutty flavor and body to the chutney.)
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup Water(Add gradually to achieve desired consistency.)
- to taste Salt
- 1 tbsp Coconut oil or other neutral oil(For tempering.)
- 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp Urad dal (split black lentils)(Adds a slight crunch and nutty flavor to the tempering.)
- 8-10 Curry leaves(Fresh curry leaves are essential for authentic flavor.)
- a pinch Asafoetida (hing)(Optional, but adds a distinct savory aroma. Ensure it's gluten-free if needed.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chutney base: In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh coconut, green chilies (start with one and add more if desired), roasted chana dal, and salt. Add about 1/4 cup of water. Blend until you achieve a smooth or slightly coarse paste, depending on your preference. Add more water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to help the grinding process and reach your desired consistency. Scrape down the sides of the blender as necessary.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 2
Transfer the ground chutney to a serving bowl. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Prepare the tempering (tadka): Heat the coconut oil in a small pan or tadka ladle over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. Add the mustard seeds. Once they begin to pop and splutter vigorously (this happens quickly, usually within 10-15 seconds), add the urad dal and asafoetida (if using).
⏱️ 1-2 minutes - 4
Immediately add the curry leaves to the hot oil. Be cautious as they will splutter. Stir for about 15-20 seconds until the curry leaves become crisp and fragrant.
⏱️ 30 seconds - 5
Pour the hot tempering mixture directly over the prepared coconut chutney in the bowl. You should hear a satisfying sizzle. Stir gently to combine the tempering with the chutney.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Serve the coconut chutney immediately, or let it sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld. It is best served fresh.
⏱️ N/A
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Freshly grated coconut yields the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure it's fully thawed.
- ✓Adjust the number of green chilies based on your heat tolerance. For a milder chutney, remove the seeds and membranes from the chilies.
- ✓The tempering (tadka) is crucial for the authentic aroma and taste of South Indian chutneys. Don't skip this step!
- ✓For a richer chutney, you can add a small piece of ginger (about 1/2 inch) along with the coconut and chilies in step 1.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a small piece of fresh ginger (about 1/2 inch) to the blender with the coconut for a ginger-infused chutney.
- Add 1-2 cloves of garlic to the blender for a garlicky variation.
- For a tangier chutney, add a small piece of tamarind pulp (soaked and deseeded) or a teaspoon of lemon juice after grinding.