Chutney is a common condiment in East Indian cuisine.
Chutney is an Indian condiment with sweet and sour flavor profiles. It is used to accompany many types of East Indian cuisine but it also can be served as a side dish, a snack food dip or even as a sandwich topping. There are several varieties of chutney, including many types of fruit chutneys, which are the most common. The caloric content of most fruit chutneys is comparable to most jellies. It is also roughly the same consistency.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a main ingredient in all chutneys. In most chutney recipes, the ratio of vinegar to water is 2-to-1. These ingredients bind the chutney together. The acid of the vinegar acts as a natural preservative. This prevents the growth of bacteria and molds. Still, chutney should be sealed and refrigerated between uses. The vinegar also enhances the other flavors in the condiment, as well as helping to combine the spices and sweeteners in the chutney.
Sugars
Chutney is both sweet and sour, using bleached granulated sugars and natural sugars from fresh fruits. Any number of sweet tropical fruits can be used in chutney. Fruits commonly used in chutney include mango, pineapple, grapes, figs, coconut, papaya, plums, apples, apricots, dates, figs, pears, peaches and raisins. Before cooking, the fruits are washed, peeled and sliced. The fruits and sugars balance the heat of the spices in the chutney. These fruits and sugars are cooked over a low heat with the vinegar and spices.
Spices
Spices in chutney, as with most Indian cuisine, play a very important role. Some of the commonly used spices in chutney are garlic, chili pepper, cardamom, ginger, salt, mustard, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, curry powder, salt, cumin, turmeric, nutmeg and fenugreek.
Other ingredients
Other ingredients commonly found in chutney are onions and eggplant. These balance the sweetness and add a savory quality to the condiment. Blanched ground almonds are often incorporated into chutney recipes for thickening and to add a sweet, nutty quality.
Tags: Indian cuisine, chutney recipes, commonly used, East Indian, East Indian cuisine
