Fresh Tomato and Onion Chutney is a delightful condiment that beautifully marries the freshness of garden tomatoes with the zing of onions and spices, creating a versatile accompaniment to a variety of dishes. 🍅🧅 This recipe, originating from Gourmet Magazine, is not only simple but bursts with flavor, making it a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
Let’s dive into the process of creating this exquisite chutney, which combines the sweetness of tomatoes, the sharpness of onions, and the warmth of spices in perfect harmony. With a prep time of 1 hour and 30 minutes and a total time of 1 hour and 47 minutes, including standing time to meld flavors, it’s a labor of love that yields about 1 1/4 cups of delectable chutney.
Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful creation:
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Onion | 1 |
| Sea salt | 1/2 tsp + 1/2 tsp |
| Tomatoes | 2 |
| Jalapeno chile | 1 |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 1/2 tbsp |
| Fresh ginger | 1 tsp |
| Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric | 1/2 tsp |
| Olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
Now, let’s embark on the journey of crafting this culinary delight:
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Onions:
- Begin by soaking the onion with 1/2 tsp of sea salt in 1 cup of cold water for 15 minutes.
- After soaking, drain the onions well using a sieve.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Transfer the drained onions to a bowl.
- Add the diced tomatoes, finely chopped jalapeno chile, fresh lemon juice, and grated ginger to the bowl with the onions.
-
Prepare the Spice Infusion:
- In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over moderate heat.
- Add the mustard seeds, turmeric, and remaining 1/2 tsp of sea salt to the skillet.
- Cook the spices, stirring occasionally, until the mustard seeds start to pop, releasing their aromatic flavors. This should take about 2 minutes.
-
Incorporate the Spices:
- Once the spices are fragrant, pour them over the tomato and onion mixture.
- Season with black pepper to taste.
-
Let the Flavors Develop:
- Allow the chutney to stand for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
-
Strain the Chutney:
- Just before serving, drain the chutney using a sieve set over a bowl, discarding any excess liquid.
-
Storage Tips:
- If you’re planning ahead, you can prepare the chutney up to 1 day in advance.
- Simply store it in the refrigerator, covered, and bring it to room temperature before serving to let the flavors shine.
With its vibrant colors and tantalizing aroma, this Fresh Tomato and Onion Chutney is sure to elevate any meal. Whether paired with crispy papadums, spread over grilled meats, or dolloped onto your favorite sandwiches, its tangy sweetness and subtle heat will delight your taste buds with every bite.
Nutritionally speaking, this chutney is light and healthy, with each serving containing approximately 68.8 calories, 5.3 grams of fat, and 2.8 grams of sugar, making it a guilt-free indulgence for any occasion.
So, gather your freshest tomatoes and onions, sharpen your knives, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your palate singing with delight. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Fresh Tomato and Onion Chutney, and let its simplicity and taste transport you to culinary bliss! 🌶🍋🌿
