Discover the magic of Indian condiments! From tangy aam ka achar to fiery lahsoon chutney, explore 7 must-have flavors. Spice up your meals now!
We Indians, we love our food, isn't it? But what truly makes
our meals sing are those little jars of deliciousness – the condiments! These flavour boosters can elevate even the simplest dish to a culinary experience.
From tangy chutneys to fiery pickles, let's explore 7 popular Indian condiments and how to use them to add that extra tadka to your everyday cooking. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
The Mighty Mango Pickle (Aam ka Achar)
Aam ka achar, the king of all pickles! No Indian kitchen is complete without it. Made with raw mangoes, spices, and oil, this pickle is a burst of flavour. You get sweet, sour, spicy, all in one bite. The best part? There are SO many variations!
From the fiery Andhra-style avakaya to the milder, sweeter Gujarati chunda, there's an aam ka achar for everyone. It's simple to use but there are a few variations that are not just for simple use. Some people use it as a side dish while others add it to their meals to add some taste.
Some people even mix it with vegetables, but that is rare.
How to use it like a pro? Simply serve a small spoonful with your roti, dal chawal, or paratha. It adds a zing that cuts through the richness of heavier dishes.
You can also use the pickle oil to stir-fry vegetables or to marinate paneer for a flavorful tikka. But remember, a little goes a long way! The spice level can be intense, so start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste.
Aam ka achar is a condiment that needs to be stored properly to maintain its quality. Make sure to keep in a cool, dark place and use a clean, dry spoon every time you take some out. This will prevent any contamination and keep your pickle fresh for longer.
So go ahead, grab a jar and elevate your meals!
Tangy Tamarind Chutney (Imli Chutney)
Imli chutney, or tamarind chutney, is a sweet, sour, and slightly spicy condiment. It's made from tamarind pulp, jaggery, and spices. This chutney is a staple in Indian street food culture. You will find used it as a base for many street-based snacks.
It's got a dark, rich flavour that perfectly complements savoury snacks. It's also a fantastic addition to any Indian meal that needs to be complemented with some unique flavour. The chutney's beautiful blend of sweet and sour makes it a favourite among people of all ages.
Think of fluffy samosas dunked in imli chutney, or crispy papdi chaat drizzled with its tangy goodness! Imli chutney is incredibly versatile. It adds a delicious depth of flavour to sandwiches and wraps. You can also use it as a glaze for roasted vegetables or even as a marinade for paneer.
For a fusion twist, try adding a spoonful to your salad dressing or using it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls. Imli chutney is a must-have in your refrigerator. It’s a flavour enhancer that can transform any dish into a culinary delight. Making imli chutney at home is pretty simple.
You soak the tamarind pulp in water, extract the pulp, and cook it with jaggery and spices. But, you can find the ready-made version in most Indian stores.
Cool and Refreshing Mint-Coriander Chutney (Pudina Dhaniya Chutney)
Pudina dhaniya chutney, or mint-coriander chutney, is the ultimate summer cooler. It's made with fresh mint, coriander leaves, green chillies, ginger, and a touch of lemon juice. This chutney is vibrantly green and explodes with fresh, herby flavors that you will love!
The coolness of mint combined with the zest of coriander creates a refreshing sensation. As you take a bite, ginger adds a little warmth which makes it perfect and is extremely refreshing. It's a basic chutney, you can find it almost everywhere.
It's the perfect accompaniment to kebabs, tikkas, and even simple sandwiches. This chutney is super versatile. You can use it as a spread for wraps, a dip for vegetable sticks, or even mix it with yogurt to create a refreshing raita.
For a quick and easy snack, spread it on toast and top with sliced cucumbers and tomatoes. You can also add a spoonful to your lemonade or iced tea for a burst of flavour. Mint-coriander chutney is not just delicious, it's also packed with nutrients.
Mint aids digestion, while coriander is a good source of vitamins and minerals. So, enjoy this green goodness and let it rejuvenate your senses! So you relax and have it.
The Fiery Garlic Chutney (Lahsun Chutney)
Lahsun chutney, or garlic chutney, is not for the faint of heart. This fiery condiment is packed with the pungent flavour of garlic, red chillies, and spices. While spicy it has a unique taste, its strong flavour is an integral accompaniment, especially in traditional Indian cuisine.
The boldness of garlic combined with the heat of chillies adds a depth of flavour to any dish. It is a simple yet flavorful addition to your meals. It gives you the experience and the taste that you deserve.
It's a popular accompaniment to vada pav, dosa, and other snacks.
Lahsun chutney is a flavour powerhouse. You can use it to spice up sandwiches, wraps, and even scrambled eggs. Add a spoonful to your pasta sauce for a spicy kick. You can also use it as a marinade for paneer or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
Be careful to add in small quantities, so as not to overpower the other flavours. Lahsun chutney is best known for being flavourful rather than spicy, or too spicy. It adds a very garlicky flavour when added to foods. Garlic is known for its health benefits.
So, enjoy this fiery chutney and give your immune system a boost!
Sweet and Spicy Date Chutney (Khajur Chutney)
Khajur chutney, or date chutney, is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavours. Made with dates, tamarind, jaggery, and spices, this chutney is a versatile addition to any meal. The sweetness of dates balanced with the tanginess of tamarind creates a unique flavour profile.
The complexity and richness of the chutney makes it and excellent component for snacks and meals. You get to expand your palate in ways you never thought you could. It is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy.
This unique taste is popularly served with many things.
These include samosas, dahi bhallas, and chaats. Khajur chutney's versatile nature makes it a great addition for all sorts of meals. You can spread it on wraps, mix it with yogurt to make a dip, or as a marination. You can also add it when roasting your vegetables. This enhances the taste of it.
It adds depth and sweetness to the roasted vegetables making it taste amazing. Experiment by adding it to your burgers or sandwiches. This gives it an interesting twist.
The Versatile Mustard Sauce (Kasundi)
Kasundi is a fermented mustard sauce, very common in Bengal. It is made from mustard seeds, spices, and sometimes dried mangoes. kasundi is one of the more unique ingredients used especially in the region that created it. It has a pungent, sharp flavor.
Many refer to it as the Indian version of mustard sauce. You can use it liberally or in small quantities depending on your own preference.
Kasundi can be added on to different dishes. It goes well with samosas, cutlets or any fried snacks. You can spread Kasundi lightly on wraps.
This makes the wrap have some flavour when nothing else can provide it. You can brush some Kasundi onto grilled paneer or vegetables. This allows it to be part of some ingredient instead of merely external. It is an exciting ingredient to explore.
South India's Delightful Coconut Chutney (Nariyal Chutney)
Nariyal chutney, an emblem of Southern India. This creamy, refreshing chutney is made with grated coconut, roasted chana dal, green chilies, ginger, and tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. It pairs well with idlis, dosas, vadas, and uttapams.
Coconut chutney has a light character when compared to the other condiments.
Coconut chutney can be used as a spread on roti or sandwiches. It an be used as a dip in fries. This chutney can also be used as an addition to any vegetarian meal.
All you have to do is add it to your favourite meal and enjoy.
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