Lehsun Amla Chutney Recipe – A Tangy Garlic and Gooseberry Chutney
This Lehsun Amla Chutney, a delightful and tangy recipe, blends the powerful flavors of garlic, small onions, gooseberries (amla), fresh coriander, and mint leaves. The inclusion of amla brings a rich dose of vitamin C, making this chutney not only delicious but also beneficial for digestion. A perfect side dish to accompany a variety of meals, this chutney is a true South Indian delight, particularly popular in the cuisine of Tamil Nadu.
Ingredients for Lehsun Amla Chutney
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Amla (Gooseberries) | 8 pieces |
| Small Onions | 6 pieces |
| Garlic Cloves | 10 cloves |
| Green Chilies | 2 whole |
| Fresh Mint Leaves | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil (for cooking) | 1 tsp |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai) | 1/2 tsp |
| Urad Dal (Black Gram) | 1/4 tsp |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram) | 1/4 tsp |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Cashews | 10 pieces |
Preparation Time: 5 Minutes
Cooking Time: 10 Minutes
Total Time: 15 Minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions for Lehsun Amla Chutney
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Prepare the Amla: Start by thoroughly washing the amla (gooseberries). Cut them into pieces and remove the seeds. This will help ensure that the chutney has a smooth texture once blended.
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Wash the Herbs: Rinse the fresh mint leaves and coriander leaves properly. Set them aside, as these ingredients will add a refreshing flavor to the chutney.
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Cook the Base Ingredients:
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a small pan or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the small onions and garlic cloves. Sauté them until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add the amla, mint, and coriander leaves to the pan and sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing the herbs to wilt and release their flavors. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
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Blend the Chutney: Once the mixture has cooled, transfer it to a mixer or food processor. Add salt to taste and a small amount of water to facilitate blending. Grind everything into a smooth paste. Set this chutney aside in a bowl.
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Prepare the Tadka (Tempering):
- In a separate small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil. Add the mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, and curry leaves. Sauté these ingredients until the mustard seeds splutter and the dals turn golden brown.
- Toss in the cashews and cook them until they become lightly browned.
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Combine the Tadka with the Chutney: Pour the hot tempering (tadka) over the ground chutney and mix well. This will infuse the chutney with a wonderful aromatic flavor.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Lehsun Amla Chutney is now ready to be served! This chutney pairs wonderfully with crispy dosa, idli, or even as a tangy accompaniment to parathas and rice. For an authentic South Indian breakfast, enjoy it with ghee-roasted dosa and filter coffee for a complete, delicious meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 80 kcal |
| Protein | 2.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10.2 g |
| Fat | 3.4 g |
| Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Vitamin C | 20% of Daily Value |
This chutney is low in calories, rich in antioxidants from the amla, and offers a fresh burst of flavors thanks to the garlic, herbs, and spices. It’s a healthy addition to your meals, packed with vitamin C and beneficial for digestion.
Tips for Best Results:
- Amla Substitutes: If fresh amla is unavailable, you can use amla powder or even replace it with a small amount of tamarind for a similar tangy flavor.
- Consistency Adjustments: Adjust the consistency of the chutney by adding water while blending, depending on whether you prefer a thicker or slightly runnier chutney.
- Spice Level: You can adjust the number of green chilies based on your spice preference. For a milder chutney, reduce the number of chilies.
Lehsun Amla Chutney brings together the zest of South India’s traditional flavors, combining a tangy, spicy, and aromatic punch that’s sure to elevate any dish it accompanies.
