Green Chutney - Hand Pounded

 

Authentic Hand-Pounded Green Chutney 🥒🌿

Craving the perfect blend of freshness and spice? This hand-pounded green chutney made with ginger, garlic, green chilies, and fresh herbs is the ideal accompaniment to your meals! Here's how to make it from scratch using a traditional mortar and pestle for that extra burst of flavor. 🌶✨

Ingredients:

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled)
• 4-5 garlic cloves (peeled)
• 2-3 green chilies (adjust to spice preference)
• 1 cup fresh coriander leaves (dhania)
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (pudina)
• 1 small onion (peeled and chopped)
• 1/2 tsp jeera powder (roasted cumin powder)
• Salt to taste
• Juice of 1 fresh lemon

Method:

1. Pound the Base: In a traditional mortar and pestle, start by adding the ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Gently pound them into a smooth paste. This process will release all the essential oils and flavors, giving your chutney a deeper taste.

2. Add Fresh Herbs: Next, add in the fresh coriander (dhania) and mint (pudina) leaves. Continue pounding until the herbs are fully crushed and well incorporated into the paste. The fragrant aroma will fill the air — that’s when you know you’re on the right track!

3. Incorporate Onion: Add chopped onion into the mix and lightly pound it in. The onion adds a subtle sweetness and extra texture to the chutney.

4. Season: Sprinkle in salt to taste, and add roasted cumin powder (jeera) for that signature earthy flavor. This adds warmth and complexity to your chutney.

5. Lemon Zing: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten everything up. It’s the perfect balance of acidity that ties all the flavors together.

6. Final Mix: Give the mixture one last pound to ensure all the ingredients are well blended, and your hand-pounded green chutney is ready to enjoy!