| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 176 | 1g | 0g | 43g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 33g | 4g | 2g | 0.21g |
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One of my personal favorite concoctions that beautifully marries my West Coast upbringing with my Gujarati roots is the harmoniously vibrant Spearmint and Cilantro Chutney. This delightful fusion bursts with freshness and packs an unforgettable punch, tipping its hat to both Californian and Indian cuisine. This versatile chutney is not just a parade of flavors but also a powerhouse of health benefits.
Flavors: A fusion everyone loves!
The base of this recipe involves the refreshing flavors of spearmint and cilantro. The sweetness of apples, tanginess of lime, and spice of ginger and serrano chile, all blended together, create a balanced and invigorating sauce that adds life to any dish. The fusion of classic Indian spices with the fruity flair draws attention to the diversity in culinary traditions of both hemispheres and helps my family to resonate with their mixed heritage.
Health Benefits: It’s more than just taste…
Why I love the Spearmint and Cilantro chutney is not just about the taste; it’s also about the nutritional benefits it brings to the table. Cilantro is high in antioxidants, and spearmint aids in digestion. Apples provide dietary fiber and vitamin C. Garlic and onions are known for their immunity-boosting properties, and chiles are a great source of vitamin C. A beneficial fusion indeed!
This unique chutney bears a slight resemblance to traditional Indian green chutney but its flavor complexity sets it apart. Whether you’re using it as a base sauce for a toasty sandwich, a dip for samosas, or a drizzle over a grilled vegetable salad, this delectable blend effortlessly enhances the dishes it pairs with. In my family, it’s been a hit from the get-go; from my husband Faisal’s love for its tangy kick to the boys’ thrilling surprise at this new take on their favorite apples, it truly is enjoyed by all.
This chutney, much like my food journey, is a tale of two cultures. My love for this recipe lies in the uniqueness of its flavors, the nostalgia it invokes, and the smile it brings to my family’s faces. The Spearmint and Cilantro Chutney perfectly encapsulates the mission of Your Gourmet Guru: to celebrate diverse culinary roots while highlighting the fresh ingredients the West Coast has to offer.
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What You’ll Need
- 2 cups fresh spearmint leaves
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 large apple, cored and chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 serrano chile, seeded and chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Carefully wash and dry your spearmint leaves and cilantro leaves. Core and chop the apple, then chop your onion. Peel and finely grate the ginger, and seed and chop the serrano chile.
Step Two
In a blender or food processor, combine the spearmint leaves, cilantro leaves, chopped apple, chopped onion, garlic cloves, grated ginger, and chopped serrano chile. Pulse several times until the ingredients are roughly chopped.
Step Three
Add the lime juice, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and cumin to the blender or food processor. Blend or process the mixture again until it becomes a smooth paste. You may want to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor with a spatula to make sure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step Four
Taste the chutney and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a sweeter chutney, you might want to add a little more sugar. For more heat, consider adding another serrano chile.
Step Five
Transfer the chutney to a jar or other airtight container. It can be served immediately, but for best results, allow it to refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This will help the flavors to fully develop and meld together. Enjoy this spearmint and cilantro chutney as a flavorful addition to your favorite dishes!
