- Thoroughly rinse cilantro (coriander leaves), removing any wilted or damaged leaves, but retaining stems for enhanced flavor.
- Combine cilantro (coriander leaves), almonds, green chilies, lemon juice, cumin seeds, and salt in a blender or food processor.
- Grind into a smooth paste, adding a minimal amount of water gradually to achieve the desired consistency. Avoid adding too much water.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for freshness. Best used within one to two weeks.
- Calories:15 kcal25%
- Energy:62 kJ22%
- Protein:0.7 g28%
- Carbohydrates:2 mg40%
- Sugar:0.2 mg8%
- Salt:50 g25%
- Fat:0.5 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Authentic Green Chutney Recipe – Coriander, Almond & Lemon Delight
Hey everyone! If you’ve ever wondered how to take your Indian meals to the next level, let me let you in on a little secret: it’s all about the chutney! And this green chutney? It’s the green chutney. Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavour, it’s a staple in my kitchen, and I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe with you. I first made this when I was trying to recreate the flavours of my grandmother’s cooking, and honestly, it’s been a family favourite ever since.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just any green chutney. It’s a flavour bomb! The combination of fresh coriander, nutty almonds, a zing of lemon, and a kick of green chilli is simply irresistible. It’s incredibly versatile – perfect with samosas, pakoras, grilled meats, or even just a simple bowl of rice and dal. Plus, it comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a super quick and easy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this deliciousness:
- 2 cups coriander leaves (approximately 30g)
- 7 almonds
- 2 green chillies
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (around 15ml)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (about 5g)
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed (start with 2-3 tablespoons)
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things make all the difference.
- Coriander Stems: Don’t toss those stems! They’re packed with flavour. I always make sure to include them when I’m blending the chutney.
- Almonds for Richness: The almonds add a lovely richness and creaminess to the chutney. They really balance out the spice and freshness.
- Green Chilli Heat: Green chillies can vary a lot in their heat. Start with two, taste, and add more if you like things extra spicy. My friend, Priya, always adds three – she loves a fiery kick!
- Cumin Seeds: Lightly toasting the cumin seeds before grinding enhances their flavour. Just a quick dry roast in a pan does the trick.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s seriously simple.
- First, give those coriander leaves a really good rinse. Remove any dirt, but don’t worry about drying them completely. We want to keep things fresh!
- Now, pop the coriander leaves, almonds, green chillies, lemon juice, cumin seeds, and a pinch of salt into your blender.
- Here’s the trick: start adding water very gradually. Just a tablespoon at a time. We want a smooth paste, but not a watery one.
- Blend, blend, blend! Keep going until everything is beautifully smooth and combined. You might need to scrape down the sides of the blender a couple of times.
- Give it a taste and adjust the salt or lemon juice as needed.
- Transfer your gorgeous green chutney to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge.
Expert Tips
A few little things I’ve learned over the years:
- Fresh is Best: Seriously, use the freshest coriander you can find. It makes a huge difference.
- Chill for Flavour: Letting the chutney sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavours to meld together beautifully.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is a great base, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan!
- Spice Level Adjustment: For a milder chutney, remove the seeds from the green chillies before blending. For extra heat, add another chilli or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use with Different Cuisine Types: Don’t limit yourself to Indian food! This chutney is amazing with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or even as a spread for sandwiches.
- Storage Duration: This chutney will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Serving Suggestions
Okay, now for the fun part – what to serve it with!
- Pakoras & Samosas: A classic pairing!
- Tikkas & Kebabs: The chutney cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Dal & Rice: A simple yet satisfying meal.
- Sandwiches & Wraps: Add a burst of flavour to your lunch.
Storage Instructions
To keep your green chutney fresh and vibrant:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- A thin layer of oil on top can help prevent browning.
- Use a clean, dry spoon each time you scoop out chutney to avoid introducing bacteria.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
Q: What is the best way to prevent the chutney from browning?
A: Adding a tiny drizzle of oil on top of the chutney before refrigerating can help slow down oxidation and keep it looking bright green.
Q: Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
A: Absolutely! Cashews or walnuts work well too, though they’ll give the chutney a slightly different flavour.
Q: How can I adjust the heat level of the chutney?
A: Remove the seeds from the green chillies for a milder chutney, or add more chillies (or a pinch of cayenne pepper) for extra spice.
Q: What is the shelf life of homemade green chutney?
A: Homemade green chutney will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Q: Can this chutney be frozen for longer storage?
A: Yes, you can! Freeze in small portions (like ice cube trays) for easy use later. It might lose a little texture when thawed, but the flavour will still be amazing.
Enjoy! I really hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!