Cucumber Chutney is a refreshing, light, and flavorful chutney that combines the mild taste of cucumber with spices, herbs, and a touch of tanginess. It's a great accompaniment to South indian dishes like idli, dosa, rice, or even roti. This chutney is not only quick and easy to make, but it's also a healthy addition to your meals, as cucumbers are full of water, vitamins, and minerals.
Here’s a simple and delicious Cucumber Chutney recipe:
Cucumber Chutney Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped (if the skin is thick, you can peel it, but if it's thin-skinned, you can leave it on for added texture)
- 1/2 onion, roughly chopped (optional, for added flavor)
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1/4 cup fresh coconut (grated, either dried or fresh, optional for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (or tamarind paste, for tanginess)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp oil (vegetable oil or coconut oil)
- Fresh coriander leaves (optional, for garnish)
For Tempering (Tadka):
- 1 tsp oil
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 1 dried red chili (optional)
Preparation:
1. Prepare the Cucumber:
- Peel the cucumber if the skin is thick, or simply wash it thoroughly and chop it into small pieces. If the cucumber has seeds, you can remove them if you prefer a smoother chutney.
- If you want to make the chutney even milder, you can lightly salt the chopped cucumber and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess water. Then, squeeze out the water before using it.
2. Blend the Chutney:
- In a blender or food processor, add the chopped cucumber, green chilies, onion (optional), fresh coconut (if using), ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder (if using), and lemon juice (or tamarind paste).
- Add salt to taste and a small amount of water (just enough to help blend the ingredients smoothly). Blend everything into a smooth or slightly coarse chutney, depending on your preference.
3. Tempering (Tadka):
- In a small pan, heat 1 tsp oil over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Once they start popping, add the curry leaves and dried red chili (if using).
- Fry the tempering ingredients for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the mustard seeds splutter and the curry leaves become crispy.
4. Combine and Serve:
- Pour the hot tempering over the blended cucumber chutney and mix well.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of freshness.
- Serve the chutney immediately with idli, dosa, rice, or roti.
Tips for Making Cucumber Chutney:
Consistency: If you prefer a thinner chutney, add more water while blending. For a thicker chutney, use less water or skip it entirely. Adjust to your preference.
Tanginess: You can use lemon juice for a fresh, zesty flavor or tamarind paste for a more traditional tangy taste. Adjust the amount based on how tangy you want the chutney.
Coconut: While fresh coconut adds richness and a creamy texture, it's optional. You can skip it if you're looking for a lighter chutney or if coconut isn't available. If you're using desiccated coconut, soak it in warm water for a few minutes before blending to soften it.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies based on your spice preference. You can always reduce the chili or skip the red chili powder if you prefer a milder chutney.
Cooling the Cucumber: If the cucumber is too watery, squeezing out excess water before blending can help in creating a smoother chutney.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Idli/Dosa: This chutney pairs perfectly with idli or dosa for breakfast or brunch. The coolness of the cucumber balances the warmth of the dosas and idlis.
- With Rice: Serve it as a side dish with rice or curd rice. It adds a refreshing contrast to the main meal.
- With Paratha/Chapati: You can also serve cucumber chutney as a refreshing side with paratha or chapati.
- As a Spread: Spread it on sandwiches or wraps for a cool, refreshing touch.
Conclusion:
Cucumber Chutney is a simple, healthy, and refreshing dish that combines the mild flavor of cucumber with the boldness of spices and herbs. It's quick to prepare, versatile, and makes a perfect accompaniment to a variety of indian dishes. The coolness of cucumber and the tangy, spicy chutney make it a great addition to your meals, especially during the hot summer months. Enjoy this refreshing chutney with your favorite South indian dishes or as a snack with some crispy crackers or parathas!
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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