India’s rich culinary heritage offers a vast range of chutneys that complement and enhance the flavors of its diverse dishes. Among these, coconut chutney stands out as a beloved staple in South Indian cuisine.
Made from fresh grated coconut and a medley of spices, this chutney is a perfect accompaniment to many vegetarian dishes. Its creamy texture and subtle sweetness balance the spicy and savory notes of Indian snacks and meals wonderfully.
In this post, we’ll dive into the world of coconut chutney veg recipes from India that celebrate the versatility of this vibrant condiment. Whether you’re pairing it with dosas, idlis, or even vegetable fritters, coconut chutney adds a refreshing twist that’s both healthy and delicious.
Plus, you’ll discover variations that incorporate different vegetables, bringing unique flavors to your table.
Ready to explore these delightful recipes? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Coconut chutney is more than just a side dish; it’s an essential part of Indian vegetarian cuisine that enhances every bite with its creamy and mildly spicy profile. Here’s why you’ll adore these recipes:
- Fresh and natural ingredients: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like fresh coconut, green chilies, and curry leaves.
- Versatile uses: Perfect with dosas, idlis, vadas, and also as a dip for vegetable fritters or snacks.
- Healthy and light: Low in calories and rich in fiber and healthy fats from coconut.
- Easy to customize: You can add various vegetables like coriander, tomato, or even roasted lentils to tweak texture and flavor.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend breakfasts.
Ingredients
- Fresh grated coconut – 1 cup
- Roasted chana dal (Bengal gram) – 2 tablespoons
- Green chilies – 1-2 (adjust to taste)
- Fresh ginger – 1 teaspoon, chopped
- Curry leaves – 8-10 leaves
- Mustard seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Dry red chilies – 1-2
- Urad dal (split black gram) – 1 teaspoon
- Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch
- Tamarind pulp – 1 teaspoon (optional for tanginess)
- Salt – to taste
- Water – as required for grinding
- Oil – 1 tablespoon (preferably coconut or vegetable oil)
Equipment
- Blender or wet grinder
- Small frying pan or tadka pan
- Spatula or spoon
- Serving bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and chopping board
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Grate fresh coconut if not pre-grated. Chop green chilies and ginger finely.
- Grind the chutney base: In a blender, combine grated coconut, roasted chana dal, green chilies, ginger, tamarind pulp (if using), and salt. Add about ¼ cup water and grind to a smooth paste. Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Make the tempering (tadka): Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add urad dal, dry red chilies, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida. Fry until the dal turns golden brown and fragrant.
- Combine and serve: Pour the tempering over the ground chutney and mix well. Adjust salt and water if needed.
- Chill or serve immediately: Coconut chutney tastes best fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Tips & Variations
“Using freshly grated coconut makes all the difference in flavor and texture, but frozen grated coconut can be a good alternative if fresh isn’t available.”
- Tomato Coconut Chutney: Add one small ripe tomato while grinding for a tangy twist and vibrant color.
- Mint Coconut Chutney: Toss in a handful of fresh mint leaves for a refreshing flavor.
- Peanut Coconut Chutney: Add 2 tablespoons of roasted peanuts along with the coconut for a nutty texture and taste.
- Spice level: Adjust green chilies to make the chutney milder or spicier according to your preference.
- Consistency: Use less water for a thicker chutney perfect for spreading or more for a dipping sauce texture.
- Tempering options: Try adding a pinch of mustard seeds and curry leaves directly to the chutney without frying for a simpler version.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (2 tbsp) |
---|---|
Calories | 60 |
Fat | 5g (mostly healthy fats from coconut) |
Carbohydrates | 3g |
Protein | 1g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sodium | 150mg (varies with added salt) |
Serving Suggestions
Coconut chutney pairs beautifully with a variety of Indian vegetarian dishes. Here are some popular ideas:
- Dosas and idlis: Classic South Indian breakfast items that taste divine with coconut chutney.
- Vadas and pakoras: Use as a cooling dip for spicy fried snacks.
- Steamed rice and vegetable curries: Add a spoonful alongside to balance flavors.
- Sandwich spread or wrap sauce: Use the chutney as a spread for sandwiches or wraps to add an Indian twist.
- Vegetable fritters: Try with crispy bhajis or fritters for a refreshing contrast.
Coconut Chutney Veg Recipes of India
Coconut Chutney with Roasted Beetroot
This unique recipe adds earthy roasted beetroot to the traditional coconut chutney, giving it a beautiful pink hue and sweet undertones.
- 1 cup grated fresh coconut
- ½ cup roasted beetroot, peeled and chopped
- 1-2 green chilies
- 1 tsp ginger
- Roasted chana dal – 2 tbsp
- Tamarind pulp – 1 tsp
- Salt to taste
- Tempering: mustard seeds, urad dal, dry red chili, curry leaves, oil
Instructions: Blend coconut, roasted beetroot, green chilies, ginger, chana dal, tamarind, and salt with water until smooth. Prepare tempering and mix in.
Serve with steamed rice or dosas.
Spinach and Coconut Chutney
Add a nutritious boost with fresh spinach leaves in your chutney. The mild flavor of spinach blends seamlessly with coconut.
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, washed and chopped
- 2 green chilies
- 1 tsp ginger
- Roasted chana dal – 1 tbsp
- Salt and tamarind pulp as needed
- Tempering as above
Instructions: Blend coconut, spinach, green chilies, ginger, chana dal, tamarind, salt, and water into a smooth paste. Temper and mix well.
Serve with snacks or rice dishes.
Carrot and Coconut Chutney
Carrots add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to coconut chutney, making it appealing and nutritious.
- 1 cup grated coconut
- ½ cup grated carrot
- 1-2 green chilies
- 1 tsp ginger
- Roasted chana dal – 1 tbsp
- Tamarind and salt to taste
- Tempering as usual
Instructions: Blend coconut, grated carrot, chilies, ginger, chana dal, tamarind, salt, and water until smooth. Add tempering and serve with your favorite South Indian breakfast.
Tomato Coconut Chutney
Bright red and tangy, this chutney adds a fresh tomato punch to the creamy coconut base.
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1 medium ripe tomato, chopped
- 1 green chili
- 1 tsp ginger
- Roasted chana dal – 1 tbsp
- Tamarind pulp – ½ tsp (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Tempering as above
Instructions: Blend all ingredients with water until smooth. Temper and mix through.
Perfect with dosa or idli.
Coriander and Coconut Chutney
For a herbaceous touch, coriander leaves elevate the coconut chutney with fresh bright notes.
- 1 cup grated coconut
- ½ cup fresh coriander leaves
- 1-2 green chilies
- 1 tsp ginger
- Roasted chana dal – 1 tbsp
- Salt and tamarind as needed
- Tempering as above
Instructions: Blend coconut, coriander, green chilies, ginger, chana dal, tamarind, salt, and water to a smooth paste. Add tempering and serve.
Conclusion
Coconut chutney is a timeless Indian condiment that brings a burst of freshness and flavor to vegetarian dishes. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a favorite across households and regions.
By experimenting with vegetables like beetroot, spinach, carrot, tomato, and coriander, you can create delightful variations that keep this traditional chutney exciting and nutritious.
Whether you’re enjoying a comforting breakfast of dosas and idlis or looking for a tasty dip for your veggie snacks, these coconut chutney veg recipes will surely impress your palate and guests. Try incorporating these recipes into your menu and explore the rich tastes of Indian cuisine.
For more delicious and diverse recipes, check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe, indulge in wholesome meals with the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe, or spice things up with the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Coconut Chutney
Description: A classic South Indian condiment made from fresh coconut and spices. Perfect accompaniment for dosa, idli, and other veg dishes.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT5M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated fresh coconut
- 2 tablespoons roasted chana dal (Bengal gram)
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 inch piece of ginger, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
- 1 dried red chili
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup water
- Few curry leaves
Instructions
- Grind coconut, roasted chana dal, green chilies, ginger, and salt with water to a smooth paste.
- Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add urad dal, dried red chili, and curry leaves; sauté until golden.
- Pour the tempering over the ground chutney and mix well.
- Serve fresh with dosa, idli, or other vegetable dishes.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 8 g
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