A vibrant South Indian herb chutney packed with curry leaves, fresh coconut, and toasted sesame, enriched with tangy mango and finished with a crunchy dal tempering.
Chutney seeds
0 gSautéed with the greens and aromatics (step 1)
Keep whole: they go directly into the pan with the herbs.
Warm 2 tbsp oil in a wide frying pan over medium heat. Tip in 200 g curry leaf, 100 g fresh coconut, 50 g coriander leaf, 10 g fresh ginger, 0.5 tsp garlic, and the chutney seeds. Sauté for several seconds, then pull the pan off the heat and let everything cool completely.
Transfer the cooled mixture to a blender. Tip in 2 tbsp chopped mango and 15.3 g lemon juice, season with salt, and blend into a smooth paste, pouring in a splash of water if required to help it catch. Scrape the paste into a bowl.
Set a small pan over medium heat with 4 tsp oil. Cook 25.2 g chana dal for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden. Add the tempering spices and 2.5 g curry leaf, swirling them in the hot fat for a few seconds.
Pour the hot tempering over the chutney, fold everything together evenly, and serve immediately.
Use 50% to 60% of the weight, soaked in equal parts warm water for 15 minutes before grinding. Works well for chutneys, though texture is slightly finer and sweeter.
Use 1.2 times the weight in curries. Adds creamy richness and authentic flavour, but makes gravies smoother and eliminates the grated, chewy mouthfeel.
Use 20% to 25% of the weight (1 g for every 4 to 5 g fresh). Stir into the gravy; adds peppery heat and warmth, though it misses the crisp, zesty kick of raw root.
Use 15% to 20% of the weight (about 1 g for every 5 to 6 g fresh cloves). Whisk into sauces; gives a savoury, toasted garlic flavour without raw pungency.