Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe for Idli Dosa Upma

Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe for Idli Dosa Upma is a easy Indian recipe that serves 4. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by Kunal Kapur on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $24.60 total, $6.15 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (neutral oil such as canola or sunflower)
  • 1 pinch Asafoetida (adds umami flavor, use sparingly)
  • 2 tablespoons Split Black Gram (Urad Dal) (washed and drained)
  • 2 pieces Dry Red Chili (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds (preferably black mustard seeds)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds (whole seeds)
  • 1 clove Garlic (finely minced)
  • ½ teaspoon Ginger (freshly grated)
  • 8 leaves Curry Leaves (fresh)
  • 2 medium Onion (diced fine)
  • 1 piece Green Chili (slit lengthwise, seeds removed for less heat)
  • 4 medium Tomatoes (ripe, roughly chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Thick Tamarind Pulp (ensure pulp is thick, not diluted water)

Instructions

  1. Heat Oil

    Place the heavy‑bottomed pan over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp vegetable oil. Let it heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  2. Temper Spices

    Add a pinch of asafoetida, 2 Tbsp washed split black gram, 2 dry red chilies and 1 tsp mustard seeds. Stir and lightly sauté until the gram turns golden brown, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  3. Add Aromatics

    Sprinkle 1 tsp cumin seeds, add the minced garlic clove and ½ tsp grated ginger. Lightly sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Sweat Onions

    Add the curry leaves, diced onions and the slit green chili. Toss quickly and let the onions sweat for about 3 minutes – they should become soft but not brown.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Add Tomatoes & Salt

    Add the chopped tomatoes (double the amount of onions) and 1 tsp salt. Give a quick toss to combine.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Incorporate Tamarind

    Stir in 1 Tbsp thick tamarind pulp. Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes completely mash and the chutney thickens.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium heat

  7. Grind the Chutney

    Turn off the heat. Transfer the hot mixture to a blender or wet grinder and blend to a smooth, thick chutney. Do not add water; the natural moisture is sufficient.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Store or Serve

    Transfer the chutney into a clean jar. Serve warm, or let it cool and refrigerate. It keeps for 3‑4 days in the fridge.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
80
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Mustard seeds, Asafoetida (may contain sulfites)

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe for Idli Dosa Upma

Recipe by Kunal Kapur

A tangy, hot and aromatic Indian chutney made with tomatoes, onions, black gram, spices and tamarind. It can be served warm or chilled and stores well for several days.

EasyIndianServes 4

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

Source Video
9m
Prep
13m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
32m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$24.60
Total cost
$6.15
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Heat oil to the right temperature without smoking.
  • Sweat onions without browning them.
  • Cook tomatoes until they fully disintegrate.
  • Blend the chutney without adding extra water.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – keep a lid nearby.
  • Use a sharp knife carefully when chopping onions and tomatoes.
  • Blend while the mixture is hot; vent the blender lid to avoid pressure build‑up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Tomato and Onion Chutney is a staple accompaniment in many South Indian households, traditionally served with idli, dosa, and rice dishes. It reflects the Indian tradition of turning everyday vegetables into flavorful condiments that enhance the main meal.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Tomato and Onion Chutney in South Indian cuisine?

A

In Kerala, the chutney often includes coconut and curry leaves, while in Andhra Pradesh it may be spicier with extra red chilies. Keralite versions are thicker, whereas Andhra versions are more watery and tangier due to added tamarind water.

cultural
Q

How is Tomato and Onion Chutney authentically served in South Indian households?

A

It is typically served at room temperature or slightly warm alongside steamed rice, lentil soups, or as a dip for dosas and idlis. Some families also enjoy it as a spread on rotis or as a side with fried snacks.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is Tomato and Onion Chutney traditionally prepared in Indian culture?

A

While it is an everyday condiment, it is also prepared for festive meals like Sankranti, Onam, and wedding feasts where a variety of chutneys are offered to showcase culinary diversity.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Tomato and Onion Chutney versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include fresh tomatoes, onions, mustard seeds, cumin, dried red chilies, asafoetida, and tamarind pulp. Substitutes can be canned tomatoes, garlic paste, or tamarind concentrate, but the flavor profile changes slightly.

cultural
Q

What other South Indian dishes pair well with Tomato and Onion Chutney?

A

It pairs beautifully with idli, dosa, appam, steamed rice, sambar, and even fried snacks like vada or pakoras. The tangy heat complements both mild and richly spiced dishes.

cultural
Q

What makes Tomato and Onion Chutney special or unique in Indian condiment tradition?

A

Its combination of sweet tomatoes, pungent onions, and the sourness of tamarind creates a balanced sweet‑sour‑spicy profile that is less oily than coconut‑based chutneys, making it a lighter yet flavorful option.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Tomato and Onion Chutney?

A

Common errors include over‑browning the onions, adding water during grinding (which makes it runny), and not cooking the tomatoes long enough, leaving a raw taste. Follow the sweating step and cook until the tomatoes fully disintegrate.

technical
Q

Why does this Tomato and Onion Chutney recipe use mustard seeds instead of tempering with curry leaves first?

A

Mustard seeds release a sharp, nutty flavor when they pop, which forms the base of the chutney’s aroma. Adding them early ensures their flavor infuses the oil before the onions are introduced.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, the chutney can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it completely, transfer to a clean glass jar, and refrigerate. It stays fresh for 3‑4 days; reheat gently or serve at room temperature.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Kunal Kapur specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Kunal Kapur focuses on Indian home cooking, showcasing traditional recipes, modern twists, and detailed technique breakdowns that make classic Indian dishes accessible to home cooks worldwide.

channel

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