Cilantro Mint Chutney (Pudina Chutney) Recipe
Introduction
Cilantro Mint Chutney, also known as Pudina Chutney, is a vibrant and refreshing sauce that brightens up any meal. With a perfect balance of fresh herbs, spice, and tang, it’s a versatile condiment loved in Indian cuisine and beyond.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 1/2 cups mint leaves
- 1 cup cilantro leaves (or flat leaf parsley)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp ginger paste
- 2 serrano chiles
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 lemon (2 tbsp juice)
Instructions
- Step 1: Toast the cumin seeds in a dry frying pan over medium heat until they become fragrant. Transfer them to a food processor.
- Step 2: Add the mint leaves, cilantro, garlic, ginger paste, serrano chiles, salt, yogurt, and lemon juice to the food processor with the cumin seeds. Process everything until smooth.
- Step 3: If the chutney is too thick, thin it out by adding water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed.
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free version, substitute yogurt with coconut yogurt or omit it and add a little water for texture.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the number of serrano chiles or remove the seeds before blending.
- Fresh ginger can be finely grated if you don’t have ginger paste on hand.
Storage
Store the chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. You can also freeze it in small portions for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir before use.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh cilantro and mint?
Fresh herbs are key to the bright, vibrant flavor of this chutney. Dried herbs won’t provide the same freshness and are not recommended for this recipe.
What other dishes pair well with cilantro mint chutney?
This chutney is excellent with grilled meats, samosas, kebabs, sandwiches, or as a dip for fresh vegetables and crackers.
PrintCilantro Mint Chutney (Pudina Chutney) Recipe
This refreshing Cilantro Mint Chutney, also known as Pudina Chutney, is a vibrant and flavorful Indian condiment perfect for enhancing snacks, sandwiches, and grilled dishes. It combines fresh mint and cilantro leaves with aromatic cumin, garlic, ginger, and a touch of spicy serrano chiles, balanced by creamy yogurt and tangy lemon juice. Easy to prepare, this chutney adds a zesty, cooling burst of flavor to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
Spices and Seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
Herbs and Fresh Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (or flat leaf parsley)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 serrano chiles
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ginger paste
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 lemon (about 2 tbsp juice)
Instructions
- Toast Cumin Seeds: Heat a dry frying pan over medium heat and toast the cumin seeds until they are fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn them. Remove from heat and add to a food processor.
- Blend Ingredients: Add the fresh mint leaves, cilantro leaves, garlic cloves, ginger paste, serrano chiles, kosher salt, plain yogurt, and lemon juice to the food processor with the toasted cumin seeds. Blend everything together until you achieve a smooth, vibrant chutney.
- Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: If the chutney is too thick, thin it out by gradually adding water until you reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lemon juice as needed for a perfect balance.
Notes
- Ginger Paste: You can substitute with freshly grated ginger if ginger paste is unavailable, using about 2 teaspoons.
- Serrano Chiles: Adjust the number of chiles based on your desired heat level. Substitute with jalapeños if preferred for milder heat.
- Storage: Store leftover chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used for a thicker consistency, or use dairy-free yogurt to make it vegan-friendly (though this recipe is not strictly vegan due to yogurt).
Keywords: Cilantro Mint Chutney, Pudina Chutney, Indian Chutney, Mint Chutney, Spicy Chutney, Yogurt Chutney, Easy Indian Condiment
