Date and Tamarind Chutney (Khajur Imli Chutney)
Description:
Khajur Imli Ki Chutney, also known as Date and Tamarind Chutney, is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors. This chutney is made with the rich, natural sweetness of dates, the tang of tamarind, and the earthy taste of jaggery. It is an essential component in popular Indian chaats such as Pani Puri, Bhel Puri, and Samosas. Adding this chutney to your chaats is a must to experience the full, authentic flavors that elevate these dishes to a whole new level.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dates (pitted) | 1 cup |
| Tamarind (de-seeded) | 1/4 cup |
| Jaggery | 1/2 cup |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Ginger Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Salt (Kala Namak) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by placing the pitted dates, tamarind, jaggery, and water into a pressure cooker. Close the lid and cook for 3-4 whistles on medium heat. Once the whistles are done, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. -
Blend the Mixture:
After the pressure has been released, open the cooker and use a hand blender to blend the mixture into a coarse paste. You can adjust the texture based on how smooth or chunky you prefer your chutney. -
Cook the Chutney:
Place the cooker back on the stove over medium heat. Add red chilli powder, cumin powder (jeera), dry ginger powder, black salt, and salt to taste. Stir well to combine all the spices and let the chutney simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Adjust Consistency:
If the chutney is too thick, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency. Simmer for a few more minutes until you achieve the desired thickness. -
Cool and Store:
Turn off the heat and allow the chutney to cool. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. The chutney can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions:
Khajur Imli Chutney is perfect as a side dish or dip with your favorite chaats like Samosa, Bread Pakora, or Dahi Batata Puri Chaat. It can also be enjoyed as a flavorful addition to sandwiches, snacks, or even grilled meats. The sweet and tangy notes complement the richness of crispy fried snacks, making it a versatile chutney in your culinary repertoire.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving some delicious chaats, this Date and Tamarind Chutney is the perfect accompaniment. It enhances the flavors of your snacks and offers a burst of delightful sweetness and spice with every bite. Enjoy this homemade chutney and elevate your Indian snack experience!
