Coconut Chutney | Classic Coconut Chutney Recipe

Coconut Chutney is a delightful South Indian condiment. It is most often served with breakfast or snack dishes like Idli, Dosa, Uttapam and Medu Vada. Chutneys are a class of condiments of India and can be made from  different ingredients. Coconut chutney originated from the South Indian cuisine.  Coconut Chutney  is made by finely grinding fresh white coconut meat with either green chilies or dry red chilies and salt added to it. Here's how you can make Coconut chutney at home:

Ingredients of Coconut Chutney Recipe:

• 1 cup grated coconut (fresh or frozen)
• 2-3 green chilies (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup roasted chana dal (daria dal or chutney dal)
• A small piece of ginger (optional)
• A handful of fresh coriander leaves (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Water, as needed

For tempering (tadka):

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• A few curry leaves
• 1-2 dried red chilies (broken into pieces)
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

Instructions of making Coconut Chutney:

Preparing the Chutney:

• In a blender or food processor, add grated coconut, roasted chana dal, green chilies, ginger (if using), and fresh coriander leaves (if using).
• Add a pinch of salt to taste.
• Blend the ingredients into a coarse paste, adding water little by little. The chutney should have a smooth yet slightly grainy texture.
• Adjust the consistency by adding more water if necessary. Keep in mind that the chutney should not be too watery.
• Transfer the chutney to a serving bowl.

Tempering (Tadka):

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small pan.
• Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
• Add dried red chilies and curry leaves. Fry for a few seconds until aromatic.
• Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and give it a quick stir.
• Pour the tempered spices over the prepared coconut chutney.

Serving:

• Mix the tempered spices into the chutney gently.
• Serve the coconut chutney as a side dish with dosa, idli, vada, or rice.

Enjoy the fresh and aromatic flavors of homemade coconut chutney!

(Note: You can adjust the amount of green chilies and other ingredients based on your preferred level of spiciness and taste.)