Coconut Chutney Recipe | Nariyal ki chutney

About Coconut Chutney

Coconut chutney is a delicious and popular condiment commonly found in South Indian cuisine. It’s a creamy and flavorful sauce made from freshly grated coconut, spices, and other ingredients. Coconut chutney is usually served as an accompaniment to various dishes like dosa, idli, vada, upma, and other breakfast items.

Table of Contents
1.About Coconut Chutney
2.Ingredients
3.Instructions/ How to make coconut chutney or nariyal ki chutney
4.FAQ
5.Variations

Here’s a basic recipe for coconut chutney:

Ingredients :

  • 1 cup freshly grated coconut
  • 1-2 green chilies (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1/2 inch ginger, peeled and chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • A small handful of roasted chana dal (split chickpeas)
  • 1-2 tablespoons of fresh yogurt (optional)
  • A few sprigs of fresh coriander leaves (cilantro)
  • Salt to taste
  • Water, as needed
  • For tempering (optional):
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • A few curry leaves
  • 1-2 dried red chilies

Instructions / How to make coconut chutney or nariyal ki chutney:

  • In a blender or food processor, add the grated coconut, green chilies, garlic, chopped ginger, roasted chana dal, fresh coriander leaves, Mint leaves and salt.
  • If you prefer a slightly tangy taste, you can add a couple of tablespoons of fresh yogurt to the mix at this point.
  • Blend all the ingredients together, gradually adding water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. The chutney should be smooth and creamy.
  • Once the chutney is blended, transfer it to a serving bowl.
  • If you want to temper the chutney (optional but adds great flavor), heat vegetable oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Then add dried red chilies and curry leaves, and sauté for a few seconds. Pour this tempering over the coconut chutney.
  • Mix the tempering into the chutney gently. Your coconut chutney is now ready to serve! It goes wonderfully with dosa, idli, vada, and many other South Indian dishes.

FAQ

What is coconut chutney?

Coconut chutney is a condiment made from freshly grated coconut, green chilies, roasted chana dal (split chickpeas), and other ingredients. It is a creamy and flavorful sauce commonly served as an accompaniment to various South Indian dishes like dosa, idli, vada, and upma.

Is coconut chutney spicy?

The spiciness of coconut chutney can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. The heat comes primarily from the green chilies used in the recipe. If you prefer a milder chutney, you can reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds before blending.

Can I use desiccated coconut instead of fresh coconut?

While fresh coconut is traditionally used for making coconut chutney, you can use desiccated coconut as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor might be slightly different. If using desiccated coconut, you might need to soak it in warm water for a few minutes before blending to soften it.

How long does coconut chutney last?

Freshly made coconut chutney can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It is best consumed within this time frame to enjoy its freshness and flavor. Beyond that, the taste and texture may start to deteriorate.

Can I freeze coconut chutney?

Yes, you can freeze coconut chutney. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw the chutney in the refrigerator and give it a stir before serving.

Can I make coconut chutney without yogurt?

Yes, coconut chutney can be made without yogurt. While yogurt adds a slight tanginess to the chutney, it is optional. You can achieve a delicious coconut chutney without yogurt by following a standard coconut chutney recipe.

What can I serve coconut chutney with?

Coconut chutney is a versatile condiment and pairs well with various dishes. It is traditionally served with South Indian breakfast items like dosa, idli, vada, upma, and pongal. However, it can also be enjoyed as a dip for snacks or as a side sauce for kebabs and grilled meats.

Can I customize coconut chutney with other ingredients?

Yes, coconut chutney can be customized with additional ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Some common variations include adding garlic for extra flavor, roasted peanuts for a nutty taste, or tamarind pulp for tanginess.

Remember, coconut chutney is a flexible and adaptable recipe, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite version!

Coconut Chutney Variations

Coconut is a versatile ingredient, and apart from the traditional coconut chutney, there are several other delicious chutneys you can prepare using coconut. Here are a few popular coconut-based chutney recipes:

Peanut Coconut Chutney:

Ingredients:

1 cup freshly grated coconut

1/2 cup roasted peanuts

2-3 dried red chilies

1/2 inch ginger, peeled

1 tablespoon tamarind pulp

Salt to taste

Water, as needed

Instructions:

Blend all the ingredients together until smooth, adding water as needed. The addition of peanuts gives this chutney a nutty taste. It complements dosa, idli, and even as a dip for vegetable sticks.

Tomato Coconut Chutney:

Ingredients:

1 cup freshly grated coconut

2 ripe tomatoes, chopped

1-2 dried red chilies

1 small onion, chopped

2-3 garlic cloves

1/2 inch ginger, peeled

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

A few curry leaves

Salt to taste

Water, as needed

Instructions:

Heat vegetable oil in a pan and sauté the chopped tomatoes, dried red chilies, onion, garlic, and ginger until the tomatoes are soft. Let it cool. Blend the sautéed mixture along with coconut and water until smooth. Prepare a tempering with mustard seeds and curry leaves, and pour it over the chutney.

These are just a few examples, and there are countless variations you can create by combining coconut with different herbs, spices, and other ingredients. Coconut chutneys add a burst of flavor to your meals and are easy to make at home. Feel free to get creative and adjust the recipes according to your taste preferences!