Bengali Style Tomato, Cranberry, and Dates Chutney (Khejur Er Chaatni)
This vibrant and flavorful Bengali-style chutney, made with ripe tomatoes, tangy cranberries, and naturally sweet dates, is a perfect side dish to elevate any meal. With a delicate balance of sweet, sour, and spicy elements, this chutney pairs beautifully with traditional Indian flatbreads like pulka or lachha paratha. Its unique combination of ingredients creates a taste experience that’s both refreshing and comforting, making it a fantastic addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Tomatoes (chopped) | 4 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped into small pieces |
Cranberries | 1/2 cup |
Dates (pitless) | 10 dates, cut in halves |
Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
Fresh ginger (grated) | 1-inch piece |
Sugar | 1/4 cup |
Panch Phoran Masala (Five Spice Mix) | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
Time | Duration |
---|---|
Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 15 minutes |
Total Time | 25 minutes |
Servings
| Servings | 4 |
Cuisine
| Cuisine | Bengali Recipes |
Course
| Course | Side Dish |
Diet
| Diet | No Onion No Garlic (Sattvic) |
Instructions
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Heat the Oil and Spices: Begin by heating a small skillet on medium heat. Add a bit of oil and let the mustard seeds splutter for a few seconds, releasing their nutty aroma.
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Add Aromatics: To the hot oil, add some curry leaves and grated ginger. Allow these to sizzle for a few more seconds until the ginger becomes fragrant.
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Cook the Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes into the skillet. Sauté for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes become soft and mushy, releasing their juices and reducing to a thick consistency.
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Seasoning: Once the tomatoes are softened, add salt to taste and a generous sprinkle of sugar to balance the flavors. Stir well to combine.
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Incorporate Dates and Cranberries: Add the halved dates and cranberries to the mixture, followed by the panch phoran masala (five-spice mix). Stir everything together and sauté for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Finish and Serve: Once everything is well combined and cooked, your Bengali Style Tomato, Cranberry, and Dates Chutney is ready to serve. Enjoy it as a side dish with hot pulkas or lachha paratha to complete your meal.
This Bengali Style Tomato, Cranberry, and Dates Chutney is a delightful and tangy accompaniment, providing a burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a festive meal or a simple family dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table. The combination of sweet dates and cranberries with the warmth of mustard seeds and ginger creates a chutney that is as unique as it is delicious.