Green Chutney, also known as hari chutney, is a versatile and flavorful condiment used in Indian cuisine. Made primarily from fresh coriander (cilantro), mint leaves, green chilies, and various spices, green chutney adds a burst of freshness and spice to a wide range of dishes. Here are several dishes that can be made using green chutney.
national achar, or pickle, adds flavor and zest to meals while also providing a source of probiotics, aiding in digestion.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Green chutney adds a zesty kick to sandwiches and wraps. Spread it on bread slices or tortillas before adding layers of vegetables, cheese, and protein. Popular options include:
- Paneer Tikka Wrap: Spread green chutney on a tortilla, add grilled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes, onions, bell peppers, and roll it up for a flavorful wrap.
- Bombay Sandwich: Layer green chutney, sliced vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and onion, along with boiled potato slices between bread slices for a delicious and tangy sandwich.
- Chaat: Chaat is a popular Indian street food known for its bold flavors and textures. Green chutney is a key component in many chaat recipes, adding freshness and spice. Some chaat dishes featuring green chutney include:
- Bhel Puri: A savory snack made with puffed rice, chopped vegetables, and tangy tamarind chutney, topped with a generous drizzle of green chutney for added flavor.
- Pani Puri/Golgappa: Small, hollow puris filled with a spicy potato mixture and tangy tamarind water. Green chutney is used as a condiment to enhance the flavor of each bite.
- Kebabs and Tikkis: Green chutney serves as a delicious accompaniment to kebabs and tikkis (Indian-style patties or cutlets). It adds a burst of flavor and moisture to these grilled or fried snacks. Some examples include:
- Hara Bhara Kebab: Made with a mixture of mashed potatoes, spinach, peas, and spices, these green-hued kebabs are served with a side of green chutney for dipping.
- Aloo Tikki: Crispy potato patties seasoned with spices, served with green chutney and tamarind chutney for a flavorful snack or appetizer.
- Dips and Spreads: Green chutney can be used as a dip or spread to accompany various snacks and appetizers. It pairs well with:
- Vegetable Sticks: Serve carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper sticks with green chutney for a healthy and flavorful snack.
- Papadums: Crispy lentil wafers served with a side of green chutney for dipping, adding a burst of flavor to each bite.
- Marinades and Dressings: Green chutney can also be used as a marinade or dressing to infuse dishes with its vibrant flavor. Try:
- Grilled Chicken/Mushrooms: Marinate chicken breasts or mushrooms in a mixture of green chutney, yogurt, and spices before grilling for a flavorful and juicy dish.
- Salad Dressing: Mix green chutney with yogurt or lemon juice to create a refreshing dressing for salads, adding a hint of spice and herbiness to your greens.
Note: green chutney for idli, without coconut, offers a vibrant burst of flavor with fresh herbs like coriander and mint, enhancing the taste experience. It also provides a refreshing accompaniment rich in antioxidants and vitamins, promoting overall health.
- Stir-fries and Curries: Green chutney can be used as a flavoring agent in stir-fries and curries to add depth and complexity to the dish. Try:
- Green Chutney Chicken Stir-fry: Stir-fry chicken breast strips with vegetables and a dollop of green chutney for a quick and flavorful meal.
- Palak Paneer with Green Chutney: Enhance the flavor of traditional palak paneer (spinach and paneer curry) by adding a spoonful of green chutney to the spinach gravy while cooking.
- Grilled Sandwiches and Paninis: Green chutney can elevate the flavor of grilled sandwiches and paninis. Some tasty options include:
- Mumbai Masala Toast: Spread green chutney on bread slices, add a layer of sliced vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and capsicum, sprinkle with chaat masala, and grill until crispy and golden brown.
- Paneer Bhurji Panini: Spread green chutney on one side of a panini roll, add spicy scrambled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) filling, sliced onions, and tomatoes, and grill until the bread is toasted and the filling is hot and melty.
- Stuffed Parathas: Green chutney can be used as a flavorful filling for stuffed parathas, which are Indian flatbreads. Try:
- Green Chutney Paratha: Roll out dough into a circle, spread green chutney on one half, fold over, and seal the edges. Cook on a griddle with ghee or oil until golden brown and cooked through. Serve hot with yogurt or pickles.
- Rice Dishes: Green chutney can be mixed into rice dishes to add a burst of flavor and color. Experiment with:
- Green Chutney Rice: Mix cooked rice with a spoonful of green chutney, sautéed vegetables, and spices for a quick and flavorful one-pot meal.
- Biryani: Layer cooked rice with green chutney, marinated meat or vegetables, fried onions, and spices to create a fragrant and flavorful biryani.
- Dahi Vada: Serve fried lentil dumplings soaked in seasoned yogurt with a drizzle of green chutney, tamarind chutney, and a sprinkle of chaat masala for a burst of flavor in every bite.
These are just a few more ideas for incorporating green chutney into your cooking. With its vibrant flavor and versatility, green chutney can elevate a wide range of dishes and add a unique twist to your meals.