Mint Chutney

Name: Mint Chutney
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 cups mint leaves; 1 cup cilantro; 1 green chili; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp cumin; to taste fine sea salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 vegan, tandoori, tandoor

Mint Chutney is a staple in Indian households, often gracing the table alongside tandoori platters and kebabs. Traditionally, it's prepared with a generous hand, using salt and fat to create a rich accompaniment that elevates grilled meats and savory snacks. This home version captures the essence of how Indian family cooks truly prepare it, embodying the warmth and hospitality of a shared meal.

Expect an invigorating burst of freshness from the mint and cilantro, with a subtle heat from the green chili. The tang of lemon juice and the earthy undertone of cumin create a balanced profile that dances on the palate, inviting you to experience the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine.

Ingredients

2 cupsmint leaves
1 cupcilantro
1green chili
1 tbsplemon juice
1 tspcumin
to tastefine sea salt

Method

Start by thoroughly rinsing 2 cups of mint leaves and 1 cup of cilantro under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Shake off the excess water and pat them dry gently with a clean kitchen towel. This ensures that the leaves are clean and dry, which is crucial for achieving the right texture in the chutney.
Place the mint leaves, cilantro, and 1 green chili into a blender or a mortar and pestle. If using a blender, pulse the ingredients until they are coarsely chopped. If using a mortar and pestle, pound the ingredients until they form a rough paste. The texture should be slightly coarse, not completely smooth, to retain some of the natural texture of the herbs.
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the mixture. If using a blender, blend on low speed, gradually incorporating the lemon juice until the mixture begins to come together. If using a mortar and pestle, continue to pound while slowly adding the lemon juice. The acid from the lemon juice will help balance the flavors and brighten the chutney.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cumin into the mixture and continue blending or pounding until the cumin is well incorporated. The cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the freshness of the mint and cilantro.
Season the chutney with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small pinch and taste the chutney on a piece of bread to gauge the saltiness. Adjust as needed, keeping in mind that the salt should enhance the flavors without overpowering them.
Let the chutney rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. During this time, the chutney will also cool slightly, which enhances its refreshing quality. Serve the chutney cool, as a dip or accompaniment to your favorite dishes.