What is Chutney? (and How to Make it)
What is chutney? Is it a jam or relish? Well, technically, it's neither. A native food in India, chutney is a condiment with many different variations. It is a central part of Indian cuisine and can be either spicy or sweet, depending on its ingredients. Chutney originated in India, but it can now be found in different parts of the world, with each place putting their own spin on it.
What is Chutney Made Of?
Chutneys can be made of several different ingredients – including spices, fruits, and vegetables – and can be presented as sauces, dips, or side dishes. They are also served throughout the day, making them a commonly seen food on traditional Indian table settings. Chutneys can be enjoyed separately, or they can be combined to create a specific flavor.
American- and English-style chutneys, which gained popularity in the Colonial Era, typically are made of fruit. This type of chutney usually is preserved using vinegar and sugar, extending the food's shelf life.
Created similarly to a fruit jam, chutney is made by slowly roasting fruits or vegetables; however, there are many other ways to prepare chutney and many varieties available across the globe. Different types of chutney include:
- Garlic Chutney: A chutney made of dry garlic that can be prepared either wet or dry. Other ingredients it is made of include fresh or dry coconut, groundnuts, and either green or red chili peppers.
- Mango Chutney: This chutney's spicy kick comes from mustard seeds, garlic, ginger, and red chili pepper flakes. Mango chutney can be served with meat, cheese, or spread on sandwiches.
- Major Grey's Chutney: Reputedly made by a British army officer in the 19th century, this chutney consists of mangoes, vinegar, raisins, onion, lime juice, a sweetening agent, and spices.
- Mint Chutney: Made of mint leaves, cilantro, sugar, salt, and other ingredients, it's commonly used as a dipping sauce for samosas, chaat, pakoda, and potato cutlets.
- Pineapple Chutney: Popular in Bengali cuisine, it's made by boiling slices of pineapple in sugary or jaggery – a form of cane sugar – syrup. On occasion, pomegranate seeds may also be added.
- Peanut Chutney: Commonly used as a side dish for snack foods or breakfast, this chutney is made of peanuts that have been fried in oil and ground with dry chiles, fried green chilies, or both. Salt and tamarind are also added.
- Tomato Chutney: This savory and spicy chutney is made of tomatoes with additional ingredients including sugar, salt, chili, and ginger. It is typically used as a dipping sauce with naan, samosas, and pakoras.
What's the Difference Between Chutney, Relish, and Jam?
Chutney vs Relish
There is some debate about whether certain chutneys could be considered relishes. Both are condiments; however, there are some differences between the two. Usually chunkier, chutney is often softer and slow-cooked longer than relish. Chutney can have both fruits and vegetables in it, while relish only features cut up pieces of vegetables. Relish also tastes more of vinegar than chutney does.
Chutney vs Jam
Completely different from what relish is, jam is typically a sweet product made with fruits. While chutney can utilize fruits in some recipes, spices and herbs are added to give the chutney a savory taste, making it less sweet than jam. Jam also consists of a single type of fruit as an ingredient, whereas chutney can feature various ingredients. Jam also has a universal, wet consistency, while chutney can be wet or dry.
What is Chutney Used For?
Chutney can be used with practically any meal of the day. In India and other places where curry is popular, a spoonful of chutney may be served alongside those meals.
Chutney also can be added to cheese, especially cream cheese, and used as an appetizer dip where guests can use crackers or pieces of naan to scoop the dip. Mixing mayonnaise and chutney together can create an excellent, flavorful sandwich spread. Chutney also can be served alongside chicken and other meats for an additional kick of flavor.
