Dates Tamarind Chutney Recipe (Khajur Imli Chutney)
Khajur Imli Chutney is a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy Indian condiment that perfectly complements snacks like samosas, kachoris, and bhajis. This flavorful chutney, made with the goodness of dates, tamarind, and jaggery, is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering, enjoying a cup of masala chai, or simply craving a savory snack, this chutney is sure to elevate the experience. It’s also versatile enough to pair with grilled vegetables, wraps, or even as a topping for salads and rice dishes.
Here’s how you can prepare this delicious Khajur Imli Chutney with just a few simple ingredients and easy steps.
Ingredients for Khajur Imli Chutney
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dates (Khajur), chopped | 1 ½ cups |
| Tamarind paste (Imli) | ½ cup |
| Jaggery (Gud), grated | ½ cup |
| Red chili powder | 2 tsp |
| Cumin powder (Jeera powder) | 2 tsp |
| Ginger powder | 1 tsp |
| Black salt (Kala namak) or rock salt (Sendha namak) | 1 tsp |
| Regular salt | To taste |
| Water | 1 ½ cups |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 kcal |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 40 mg |
Note: The nutritional values are based on an approximate serving size of 1/3 of the recipe. The exact values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time: 20 Minutes
Total Time: 30 Minutes
Servings: 3 (approximately)
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Side Dish / Condiment
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions for Making Khajur Imli Chutney
-
Boil Dates
Begin by placing 1 ½ cups of water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once the water starts boiling, add the chopped dates to the pan. Let the dates simmer for 5-7 minutes or until they soften and begin to break apart. Stir occasionally to ensure the dates cook evenly. -
Add Tamarind, Jaggery, and Spices
Once the dates have softened, add the tamarind paste, jaggery, red chili powder, cumin powder, ginger powder, and black salt (or rock salt) to the saucepan. Stir everything together, ensuring the jaggery dissolves and the spices blend well. Cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chutney to thicken slightly. -
Cool the Mixture
Turn off the heat and allow the chutney mixture to cool to room temperature. This cooling step is essential, as it helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to blend. -
Blend into a Smooth Paste
Once the chutney has cooled, transfer it to a mixer grinder or blender. Blend the mixture into a smooth, thick paste. Depending on your desired consistency, you can add a little more water to achieve a thinner chutney. -
Strain (Optional)
To ensure a silky-smooth chutney, you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. This will remove any bits of dates or tamarind pulp, leaving you with a glossy, smooth chutney. -
Cool and Store
Once the chutney is blended and strained, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the chutney in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
How to Serve Khajur Imli Chutney
Khajur Imli Chutney is a versatile dip and accompaniment for a variety of Indian snacks. Here are a few ideas for serving this delicious chutney:
- With Samosas: Pair it with crispy samosas filled with spiced potatoes, peas, or meat for a classic snack combination.
- With Kachori: Serve it alongside freshly fried kachoris stuffed with spicy fillings like potatoes or lentils.
- With Pakoras or Bhajis: This chutney also works wonderfully as a dip for onion or vegetable fritters (pakoras or bhajis).
- With Parathas or Roti: Spread it on flatbreads like parathas or roti to add a sweet and tangy kick to your meal.
- As a Salad Dressing: Drizzle it over a fresh salad to add a burst of flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Khajur Imli Chutney
- Adjust Sweetness: The sweetness of the chutney can be adjusted by varying the amount of jaggery you use. You can also replace jaggery with sugar if preferred, although jaggery lends a unique depth of flavor.
- Tamarind Paste: Tamarind can be tangy or mild depending on the variety. If you’re using a concentrated tamarind paste, you may need to adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
- Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili powder and black salt to suit your spice tolerance.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thinner chutney, add a little extra water during the cooking process. For a thicker consistency, reduce the water while cooking the dates.
Why You’ll Love This Khajur Imli Chutney Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a 30-minute commitment, you can make a batch of chutney that’s perfect for snacking or serving with a meal.
- Packed with Flavor: The sweet dates, tangy tamarind, and aromatic spices come together to create a chutney bursting with flavor.
- Versatile: This chutney isn’t just limited to Indian snacks. You can use it as a glaze for meats, a topping for grilled veggies, or even as a unique dip for fries.
- Healthy and Natural: Made with natural ingredients like dates, tamarind, and jaggery, this chutney is a great alternative to store-bought sauces and condiments, which often contain artificial preservatives or sweeteners.
Final Thoughts
This Khajur Imli Chutney recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the fusion of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a special occasion, or just to enjoy with your favorite snacks, this chutney will never disappoint. Plus, the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy it anytime.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat your taste buds to this delightful chutney. Your samosas and kachoris will thank you!
Related Recipes You Might Enjoy:
- Tamarind Chutney
- Mint Coriander Chutney
- Imli Pudina Chutney (Tamarind Mint Chutney)
- Sweet Mango Chutney
- Spicy Tomato Chutney
