Cilantro Chutney Vegetarian Recipes of India You’ll Love

Cilantro chutney is a vibrant, fresh, and zesty condiment that holds a special place in Indian vegetarian cuisine. Bursting with the bright flavors of fresh cilantro leaves, green chilies, and tangy lemon juice, this chutney is a perfect accompaniment to a variety of Indian snacks and meals.

Whether you’re enjoying crispy samosas, piping hot pakoras, or a simple plate of rice and dal, cilantro chutney adds that refreshing kick that elevates every bite.

In India, cilantro chutney is more than just a side; it’s a staple that brings together the earthy, spicy, and tangy elements perfectly balanced in one bowl. What’s wonderful about this chutney is its versatility and ease of preparation.

Plus, it’s entirely vegetarian and packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free addition to your meals.

In this post, we’ll explore multiple cilantro chutney vegetarian recipes from different regions of India, each with unique twists. From the classic North Indian version to the South Indian coconut-cilantro blend, get ready to discover your new favorite condiment!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cilantro chutney is incredibly flavorful yet simple to prepare. It complements a wide range of dishes, adding freshness and spice without overpowering other flavors.

The chutney is:

• Quick to make: Ready in under 10 minutes with minimal prep.
• Healthy: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber from fresh herbs and spices.
• Versatile: Perfect as a dip, spread, or sauce for snacks, meals, and sandwiches.
• Customizable: Easily adjusted to suit your spice preferences and dietary needs.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this chutney recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Blender or food processor: For smooth chutney texture
• Measuring spoons and cups: To ensure accurate quantities
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping ingredients
• Spatula or spoon: To scrape down the sides of the blender jar
• Serving bowl: To present the chutney

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Thoroughly rinse the cilantro leaves to remove any dirt. Roughly chop the green chilies, garlic, and ginger.
2. Roast the cumin seeds: In a small dry skillet over medium heat, roast the cumin seeds until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Let them cool.
3. Add ingredients to the blender: Combine the cilantro, green chilies, lemon juice, grated ginger, garlic, roasted cumin seeds, and salt in the blender jar.
4. Blend to smooth consistency: Add 2 tablespoons of water and blend until smooth. Add more water if needed to achieve your preferred consistency.
5. Taste and adjust: Check seasoning and spice level. Add more salt, lemon juice, or chilies as desired. Blend briefly again to mix.
6. Serve or store: Transfer chutney to a serving bowl. It can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips & Variations

For a milder chutney, remove the seeds from the green chilies before blending.

Add a handful of fresh mint leaves along with cilantro for a refreshing twist.

Try incorporating grated coconut for a South Indian style coconut-cilantro chutney.

Substitute lemon juice with tamarind paste or raw mango for regional variations.

Experiment with adding a pinch of sugar or jaggery to balance the flavors if the chutney tastes too sharp.

For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast some peanuts or sesame seeds and blend them in.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Cilantro chutney is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many Indian vegetarian dishes.

• Serve it alongside Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for an added burst of freshness.
• Use it as a dip for crispy vegetable pakoras, samosas, or even plain papadums.
• Spread a thin layer on wraps or sandwiches for a tangy, herby kick.
• Drizzle over steamed rice and dal for a simple yet flavorful meal.
• Mix with yogurt as a raita alternative to cool down spicy dishes.

Popular Cilantro Chutney Variations From India

North Indian Classic Cilantro Chutney

This version emphasizes the sharpness of fresh cilantro and green chilies, balanced with lemon juice and roasted cumin. It’s the chutney you’ll find served with street food across Delhi and Punjab.

South Indian Coconut-Cilantro Chutney

Adding freshly grated coconut and a tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves, this chutney is a staple alongside dosa and idli in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Gujarati Sweet-Cilantro Chutney

In this variation, a touch of jaggery or sugar is added to the cilantro chutney giving it a sweet and tangy profile, perfect for balancing spicy snacks in Gujarat.

Maharashtrian Peanut-Cilantro Chutney

Ground peanuts mixed with cilantro and green chilies create a rich, nutty chutney that’s a favorite accompaniment to bhakri and misal pav in Maharashtra.

Rajasthani Dry Cilantro Chutney Powder

A dry, powdered version made with dried cilantro, red chilies, and spices, perfect for sprinkling over snacks or mixing with yogurt.

Conclusion

Cilantro chutney is a vibrant and essential part of Indian vegetarian cooking that brings freshness, spice, and tang to any dish. Its simplicity and versatility make it a must-have condiment in every kitchen.

By experimenting with regional variations, you can enjoy a range of flavors, from the bright, zesty North Indian style to the creamy, coconut-infused South Indian version.

Whether you’re looking to spice up your snack time or add a flavorful twist to your meals, cilantro chutney is your best friend. Don’t hesitate to try out different ingredients and textures to find the version that suits your palate.

For other delicious recipes that pair wonderfully with chutneys, check out the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe or the delightful Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe. For a sweet finish, you might enjoy the creamy goodness of the Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe.

Happy cooking and enjoy the fresh flavors of India!

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