Tomato Onion Chutney: Perfect Accompaniment for Idli and Dosa

Tomato Onion Chutney, also known as Onion Tomato Chutney, is a tangy and flavorful South Indian condiment made with tomatoes, onions, and spices. This tasty chutney pairs perfectly with idli, dosa, roti, and more.

CategoryDifficultyBeginner

Yields4 Servings
Prep Time5 minsCook Time10 minsTotal Time15 mins

Ingredients for Tomato Onion Chutney

 1 tbsp Oil (तेल)
 1 tbsp Split Black Gram/Urad Dal (उड़द दाल)
 2 Medium Onions (प्याज), Roughly Chopped
 2 Medium Tomatoes (टमाटर), Roughly Chopped
 3 Dry Kashmiri Red Chillies (सूखी कश्मीरी लाल मिर्च), Adjust to taste
 1 tbsp Tamarind Extract (इमली का अर्क)
 ¼ tsp Mustard Seeds (राई)
 6 Curry Leaves (कढ़ी पत्ते)
 Salt (नमक), To taste

Instructions for Tomato Onion Chutney

Preparing the Chutney
1

Heat oil in a pan over medium flame. Add urad dal and sauté for about a minute.

2

Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn light golden brown. Stir in tomatoes and dried red chilies.

3

Sauté until tomatoes are soft and slightly mushy. Remove from heat and let it cool.

4

Transfer the mixture to a blender along with tamarind extract. Blend into a smooth paste.

Tempering
5

Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.

6

Add curry leaves and sauté for 10 seconds.

7

Pour the tempering over the chutney. Tomato Onion Chutney is now ready to serve.

Tomato Onion Chutney

Ingredients

 1 tbsp Oil (तेल)
 1 tbsp Split Black Gram/Urad Dal (उड़द दाल)
 2 Medium Onions (प्याज), Roughly Chopped
 2 Medium Tomatoes (टमाटर), Roughly Chopped
 3 Dry Kashmiri Red Chillies (सूखी कश्मीरी लाल मिर्च), Adjust to taste
 1 tbsp Tamarind Extract (इमली का अर्क)
 ¼ tsp Mustard Seeds (राई)
 6 Curry Leaves (कढ़ी पत्ते)
 Salt (नमक), To taste

Directions

Preparing the Chutney
1

Heat oil in a pan over medium flame. Add urad dal and sauté for about a minute.

2

Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn light golden brown. Stir in tomatoes and dried red chilies.

3

Sauté until tomatoes are soft and slightly mushy. Remove from heat and let it cool.

4

Transfer the mixture to a blender along with tamarind extract. Blend into a smooth paste.

Tempering
5

Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.

6

Add curry leaves and sauté for 10 seconds.

7

Pour the tempering over the chutney. Tomato Onion Chutney is now ready to serve.

Notes

Tomato Onion Chutney
  • Split Black Gram (Urad Dal): Adds texture and flavor.
  • Onions: Provides a savory base and sweetness when caramelized.
  • Tomatoes: Adds tanginess and body to the chutney.
  • Dry Kashmiri Red Chillies: Provides mild heat and color.
  • Tamarind Extract: Adds tanginess and depth of flavor.
  • Mustard Seeds: Imparts a nutty flavor.
  • Curry Leaves: Adds a distinct aroma and flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste.
  • Serve Tomato Onion Chutney with steamed idli for a delicious breakfast.
  • Pair it with crispy dosa to complement its texture and flavor.
  • Enjoy it as a side with chapati or roti for a tangy twist.
  • Roast the Urad Dal: Roast the urad dal until golden brown before adding other ingredients. This enhances its nutty flavor.
  • Caramelize Onions: Saute the onions until they turn golden brown. This caramelization adds sweetness and depth to the chutney.
  • Adjust Spice Level: Adjust the number of dry Kashmiri red chilies according to your spice preference. They also contribute to the chutney’s color.
  • Blend to Smooth Consistency: Blend the sauteed ingredients and tamarind extract to a smooth paste. This ensures a uniform texture and enhances flavor integration.
  • Temper with Mustard Seeds and Curry Leaves: The tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves in hot oil adds a final burst of flavor and aroma.
  • Balance Flavors: Taste and adjust salt and tanginess (from tamarind) to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
  • Serve at Room Temperature: Tomato Onion Chutney tastes best when served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Allow flavors to meld for about 10-15 minutes after preparation.

Store the chutney in a clean, air-tight container and refrigerate. It is best consumed within 2-3 days to ensure freshness and quality, especially because of the onions.

Q. How do you make Tomato Onion Chutney spicy?
A: To make Tomato Onion Chutney spicier, you can increase the number of dry Kashmiri red chillies or add fresh green chillies during cooking. Adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences.

Q. What can I substitute for tamarind extract in Onion Tomato Chutney?
A: If you don’t have tamarind extract, you can substitute it with lemon juice or a small amount of amchur (dried mango powder). These alternatives provide tanginess similar to tamarind.

Q. Can Onion Tomato Chutney be made without urad dal?
A: Yes, Onion Tomato Chutney can be made without urad dal. While urad dal adds texture and flavor when roasted, you can omit it or substitute with other ingredients like chana dal or simply proceed without it.

Q. Is Tomato Onion Chutney healthy?
A: Tomato Onion Chutney can be a healthy condiment when prepared with minimal oil and without excessive salt or sugar. It contains nutrients from tomatoes, onions, and spices, making it a flavorful addition to meals.

Q. How long does Onion Tomato Chutney last in the refrigerator?
A: Onion Tomato Chutney typically stays fresh for about 2-3 days when stored properly in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume it within this timeframe to enjoy its flavors and texture.

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