Easy Cilantro Chutney

What is chutney?

Chutney is an Indian condiment that is naturally vegan and gluten-free. It has many variations and that is why it can be spicy and savory or sweet to taste.

Its texture and consistency are like a thick dip or sauce (Salsa Verde). It can be very smooth or coarse.

It is normally served as an accompaniment and is used to provide balance to a variety of dishes or highlight a specific flavor profile.

It is extremely flavorful and can be made using fruits, vegetables, and/or herbs with lemon juice or vinegar, sugar, and spices.

Although chutney is best known as a condiment originating in India, the concept has now spread worldwide and transformed to suit local tastes.

It's basic and classic!

This particular coriander chutney is used extensively in Indian cooking. It is spicy, savory, and extremely flavorful to taste.

We typically use it as a taste enhancer. We use it as sandwich spreads, dips, serve it with snacks, sometimes add it in curries, use it as a marinade.

We also mix it with mayonnaise or cream cheese to help tone down the heat and use it as a creamy spread or dip.

This recipe of green chutney is mainly prepared with Indian herbs - cilantro and mint or any other green leafy vegetables like spinach or lettuce which gives it this beautiful and natural dark green color and texture. 

How to serve or use chutney

This tangy, tasty condiment is a perfect dip or accompaniment to Puff Pastry Samosa, Moong Dal Pakora, Onion Pakoda, and Fried Besan Potato Squares.

Use it as a side when serving Ragi Kale Idli, Sweet Potato Quinoa idli, Quinoa Uttapam, Veggie Dosa Waffles, Potato Dosa, or Oats & veggies Pancakes. 

You can also use it to make Bread Chutney Cheese Rolls or Chutney Cheese Puff Pastry Straws or else add it to any Indian chaat recipe like - Sweet Potato Tikki Chole Chaat, Baked lentil Donuts, Cheeselings Bhel or Bhelpuri,

Try it as a spread when making Bombay Sandwich, or any sandwich.

Also, cheese pairs well with chutney - just saying! I actually know of someone who likes to mix chutney with rice and enjoy it as a meal!

Ingredients needed

There are many possible combinations to make this tasty condiment. But these are the ingredients I use to make this delicious green cilantro lime sauce. 

• Cilantro - Also known as coriander or dhania is the main ingredient here. 
• Mint - This is what gives it a refreshing tangy flavor. 
• Jalapeno or green chilies - Brings in the heat.
• Peanuts - Gives it a nutty flavor and volume. 
• Lemon juice - Helps bring in the sour taste from the acidic lemons and increases its shelf life. You can use vinegar instead. 
• Ginger - Has anti-inflammatory properties. 

Here's how to make it

This recipe of green chutney is simple and easy and every home has its own way of making it.

After trying various recipes, this is the recipe that I am content with and that is why I decided to share it with you.

It is a no-cook, oil-free recipe and can be made in just 5 minutes! All you need is a blender. We just need to add all the ingredients to it and let it do the job. 

1. First, add the peanuts to the blender jar and blitz it to crush them.
2. Then add all the other ingredients like cilantro, mint, jalapeno, lemon juice, and ginger.
3. Add 1 or 2 tablespoon water and blend until smooth. There should be no chunks.
4. Taste before seasoning it with salt and sugar.
5. You may give a tempering of mustard seeds and urad dal in oil and pour it over the prepared chutney for more flavor. But this is purely an optional step. 

The traditional green chutney is ready. Serve this cilantro chutney as needed. 

Top tips, recommendations, and suggestions

Please note that this recipe of green coriander chutney is 100% customizable. You can make it with whatever greens you have.

You can even make this chutney only with mint or coriander. Just remember to use fresh leaves always to get this color and flavor. You can also add the stems along with the leaves.

Instead of peanuts, you can add any other nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts. You can also add garlic if you want.

Adjust the consistency of the chutney by adding water based on your liking or the purpose. If using as a dip, it can be a little thin and if using as a spread, then it has to be thick.

Also, avoid double-dipping from the main container with a saliva-contaminated spoon or food item, that'd be bad for your chutney! Always take out the amount you need and store the rest. 

This versatile cilantro lime sauce can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days. Remember to store it in airtight containers.

Cilantro lime sauce also freezes very well. You can also make a batch and freeze it for up to 6 months. 

You can also make this advance in large portions and freeze it in ice cube trays. Store the frozen cubes in a zip-lock plastic bag and use as needed.

This is a great way of using up all the greens before they begin to wilt and then freeze them. 

Some other chutney recipes

• Andhra Tomato Peanut Chutney
• Tomato Almond Chutney
• Coconut Chutney
• Bombay Besan Chutney
• Lettuce Chutney

Recipe 📖

Mint Cilantro Chutney

Priya Lakshminarayan

Mint Cilantro chutney also known as coriander chutney is a delicious Indian Condiment that can be made in just 5 minutes. This 6-ingredient cilantro lime sauce can be used as a dip/spread. Follow this easy recipe of green chutney and serve it with an appetizer or as a side with any meal. 

4.17 from 12 votes

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Prep Time 3 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Course accompaniment, condiment, Side Dish

Cuisine Indian

Servings 8 people

Calories 29.17 kcal

Equipment

• Blender

Ingredients  

1x2x3x

• ▢ ¼ cup peanuts
• ▢ 2 bunches cilantro
• ▢ 1 bunch mint leaves
• ▢ 1 Jalapeno
• ▢ 2 tablespoon lemon juice
• ▢ Half inch ginger
• ▢ ½ teaspoon sugar
• ▢ Salt

Instructions 

• First, add the peanuts to the blender jar and blitz it to crush them.
• Then add all the other ingredients like cilantro, mint, jalapeno, lemon juice, and ginger. Add 1 or 2 tablespoon water and blend until smooth. There should be no chunks.
• Taste before seasoning it with salt and sugar. The traditional green chutney is ready.

Notes

Please note that this recipe of green chutney is 100% customizable. You can make it with whatever greens you have. You can even make this chutney only with mint or coriander. Just remember to use fresh leaves always to get this color and flavor. You can also add the stems along with the leaves. Instead of peanuts, you can add any other nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts. You can also add garlic if you want. Adjust the consistency of the chutney by adding water based on your liking or the purpose. If using as a dip, it can be a little thin and if using as a spread, then it has to be thick. 

This versatile cilantro lime sauce can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days. Remember to store it in airtight containers. This chutney also freezes very well. You can also make a batch and freeze it for up to 6 months.  You can also make this advance in large portions and freeze it in ice cube trays. Store the frozen cubes in a zip-lock plastic bag and use as needed. This is a great way of using up all the greens before they begin to wilt and then freeze them. Also, avoid double-dipping from the main container with a saliva-contaminated spoon or food item, that'd be bad for your chutney! Always take out the amount you need and store the rest. This is a great way of using up all the greens before they begin to wilt and then freeze them. Also, avoid double-dipping from the main container with a saliva-contaminated spoon or food item, that'd be bad for your chutney! Always take out the amount you need and store the rest. 

Nutrition

Calories: 29.17kcal | Carbohydrates: 1.5g | Protein: 1.28g | Fat: 2.29g | Saturated Fat: 0.35g | Sodium: 2.17mg | Potassium: 44.37mg | Fiber: 0.58g | Sugar: 0.45g | Vitamin A: 175.07IU | Vitamin C: 4.22mg | Calcium: 6.18mg | Iron: 0.24mg

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