Tomato Chutney Recipe

Tomato Chutney Recipe is a easy Indian recipe that serves 4. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by Manjula's Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 37 min

Cost: $2.18 total, $0.54 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Tomatoes (sliced)
  • 8 pieces Green Chilies (seeds removed, sliced; oil on hands to reduce burn)
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger (finely minced)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (neutral oil, can use mustard oil for authentic flavor)
  • pinch pinch Asafoetida (Hing) (optional, adds depth)
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin Seeds (whole seeds)
  • 1 tablespoon Black Mustard Seeds (whole seeds)
  • 0.5 tablespoon Turmeric Powder (ground)
  • 0.5 tablespoon Red Paprika (mild sweet paprika)
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves (dried)
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (for thickening; dissolve in a little water before adding)
  • 1 tablespoon Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar (adjust based on tomato acidity)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Slice the tomatoes into 2 cups, remove seeds from the green chilies and slice them, and mince the ginger. Rub a little oil on your hands before handling the chilies to avoid irritation.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Heat Oil and Temper Spices

    Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a pinch of hing (if using), then add cumin seeds, black mustard seeds, turmeric powder, red paprika, and bay leaves. Stir until the mustard seeds start to pop and the spices become fragrant.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium

  3. Add Tomatoes and Aromatics

    Add the sliced tomatoes, sliced green chilies, minced ginger, and 1 Tbsp salt to the pan. Stir well to combine with the tempered spices.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  4. Cook Covered

    Cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium‑high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The tomatoes should soften but still retain some shape.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium‑High

  5. Thicken and Sweeten

    In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 Tbsp water to make a slurry. Remove the lid, stir the slurry into the chutney, then add 2 Tbsp sugar. Cook uncovered for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the chutney thickens and the sugar dissolves.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Finish and Serve

    Turn off the heat. Remove bay leaves. Serve the chutney hot or at room temperature with parathas, rice, or sandwiches.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
80
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Allergens: Mustard

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Tomato Chutney Recipe

Recipe by Manjula's Kitchen

A quick and tangy North Indian tomato chutney made with fresh tomatoes, green chilies, and aromatic spices. Perfect as a condiment for parathas, rice, sandwiches, or as a flavorful side.

EasyIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
10m
Prep
12m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
32m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.18
Total cost
$0.54
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Handling green chilies – oil on hands prevents burning
  • Tempering spices – add hing first, then seeds, avoid burning
  • Do not overcook tomatoes – keep slices visible
  • Adding cornstarch slurry – mix well to avoid lumps

Safety Warnings

  • Be careful when handling hot oil and tempering mustard seeds – they can splatter
  • Wear gloves or oil‑coated hands when cutting green chilies to avoid skin irritation
  • Use a pot holder when removing the hot lid

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of North Indian Tomato Chutney in Indian cuisine?

A

Tomato chutney is a staple in North Indian households, traditionally served with stuffed parathas, rice dishes, and snacks. It reflects the Indian tradition of turning seasonal produce into tangy, spiced condiments that enhance everyday meals.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of tomato chutney in North Indian cuisine?

A

In Punjab, tomato chutney often includes mustard seeds and asafoetida for a pungent flavor, while in Rajasthan it may be spicier with added red chili powder. Some regions add tamarind for extra tanginess.

cultural
Q

How is North Indian Tomato Chutney traditionally served in North Indian households?

A

It is typically served warm or at room temperature alongside aloo paratha, paneer paratha, plain rice, or as a spread on sandwiches. It can also accompany Indian snacks like samosa or pakora.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is North Indian Tomato Chutney commonly prepared in Indian culture?

A

Tomato chutney is made for everyday meals but also appears during festivals like Diwali and Holi when families prepare a variety of chutneys and pickles to accompany festive thalis.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for North Indian Tomato Chutney versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh tomatoes, green chilies, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, turmeric, and red paprika. Substitutes can be mustard powder for seeds, garlic powder for hing, or arrowroot powder for cornstarch without compromising the flavor.

cultural
Q

What other North Indian dishes pair well with North Indian Tomato Chutney?

A

It pairs beautifully with stuffed parathas (aloo, paneer), plain basmati rice, dal tadka, and Indian street foods like samosa, pakora, and kachori.

cultural
Q

What makes North Indian Tomato Chutney special or unique in Indian cuisine?

A

Its bright tomato base combined with the pungent aroma of mustard seeds and asafoetida creates a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy that is distinct from other regional chutneys that rely on coconut or mint.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making North Indian Tomato Chutney?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the tomatoes until they turn mushy, burning the tempered spices, and adding cornstarch without a slurry which creates lumps. Also, handling chilies without oil can cause skin irritation.

technical
Q

Why does this North Indian Tomato Chutney recipe use mustard seeds and cumin seeds for tempering instead of frying them later?

A

Tempering the seeds at the beginning releases their essential oils, infusing the oil with flavor that coats the tomatoes throughout cooking, resulting in a deeper, more integrated taste than adding them later.

technical
Q

Can I make North Indian Tomato Chutney ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the chutney can be prepared a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on low heat before serving, or enjoy it cold at room temperature.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Manjula's Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Manjula's Kitchen specializes in authentic Indian home‑cooking recipes, focusing on traditional flavors, step‑by‑step demonstrations, and tips for everyday Indian households.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Manjula's Kitchen's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Manjula's Kitchen emphasizes simplicity, using readily available ingredients and clear explanations, often sharing cultural context and practical kitchen hacks, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate presentations or fusion twists.

channel

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