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I love bright, flavorful tomatoes, and intensely flavored tomato sauces. No mealy, bland tomatoes or boring ketchup for me! So when I discovered tomato chutney, an intensely flavored and spiced tomato condiment often associated with Indian cuisine, I thought it might be a chance to expand my tomato horizons. I set out to learn the tomato chutney basics, and now I’m eager to share them with you!
Tomato chutney is perfect as a spread, dip, or dressing, and can bring depth to meat and vegetable curries, stir-fries, and casseroles. It’s a versatile condiment that adds a kick of spiciness and bright, zingy flavors to a variety of dishes. Read on for some tasty tomato chutney ideas!
IDEAS FOR USING TOMATO CHUTNEY
SPREAD IT ON VEGGIE OR MEAT SANDWICHES AND WRAPS
Elevate your veggie or meat sandwiches and wraps with the deliciousness of tomato chutney. Its tangy and slightly sweet taste adds complexity, perfectly complementing the fillings. Simply slather a generous amount of tomato chutney on your bread or tortilla, and enjoy!
KICK YOUR GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES UP A NOTCH
It’s a twist on the classic grilled cheese with tomato soup – spread a spoonful or two of tomato chutney on the inside of your grilled cheese before toasting it for some extra zing.
ADD IT TO YOUR CHARCUTERIE BOARD
Enhance your charcuterie board by incorporating tomato chutney. The vibrant flavors of the chutney beautifully complement cured meats, cheeses, and other tasty bites.
INCORPORATE IT INTO YOUR CURRIES OR STEWS
Whether you’re whipping up a meat-based or veggie-based curry, tomato chutney can intensify the overall taste profile of your dish. The acidity of the tomatoes lifts and brightens the curry, balancing out rich or heavy flavors.
SWAP OUT FRUIT CHUTNEY WITH TOMATO CHUTNEY IN SAVORY MEAT CASSEROLES SUCH AS BOBOTIE
Bobotie – A Classic South African Casserole
This classic dish from South Africa, Bobotie (pronounced ba-bo-tea), is made with ground beef seasoned to perfection and a creamy, decadent topping. It is rich, savory, spicy, aromatic, and zingy. A comforting meal, full of the flavors of Africa!
TOMATO CHUTNEY IS THE PERFECT ADDITION TO MILD FISH DISHES and fish tacos
Dollop a spoonful of tomato chutney on top of grilled, roasted, or poached white fish, or add a generous drizzle to your fish tacos. The bright and spicy flavors will transform your meal from good to great and add an eye-appealing pop of color.
USE IT AS A FLAVORFUL GARNISH FOR GRAIN DISHES
Looking for a little extra flavor for your rice and veggies or favorite grain bowl? Maybe an extra zing for a savory risotto? A spoonful of tomato chutney on top will add both a pop of color and a boost of flavor!
USE IT AS A MARINADE FOR MEAT OR VEGGIES
Tomato chutney can be used as an excellent marinade for meat and vegetables. The combination of tangy tomatoes, herbs, and spices can infuse your dishes with delicious flavors and aromas. To use tomato chutney as a marinade, simply coat your protein or veggies in a generous amount of chutney, and let it sit for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
USE IT AS A DIP FOR SNACKS
Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy movie night at home, tomato chutney makes an excellent accompaniment to snacks. Dip crispy samosas, crunchy chips, or raw veggies into this zingy combination of tomatoes, spices, and herbs.
ADD TOMATO CHUTNEY TO EGG DISHES OF ALL TYPES
Stir tomato chutney into scrambled eggs, layer a small amount into an omelet, or dollop a bit on top of shakshuka or frittatas for extra flavor.
MAKE A TASTY BAGEL SPREAD
Mix a bit of tomato chutney with cream cheese for an extra spicy bagel spread. This will go perfectly with some fresh greens and crunchy veggies.
TOMATO CHUTNEY CAN MAKE A UNIQUE PIZZA SAUCE
If you’re tired of the same old pizza sauce, try using tomato chutney as a delicious alternative! Spread it over your pizza base and top it with your favorite ingredients for a unique flavor combination. The tanginess of the chutney will complement the gooey cheese and the assortment of toppings, taking your homemade pizza to a whole new level.
USE IT TO ZING UP YOUR SALAD DRESSING
Tomato chutney can be transformed into a lively salad dressing by mixing it with olive oil or yogurt. Drizzle this vibrant combination over a bed of fresh greens, crispy veggies, or even fruity salads for a unique twist.
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Check out a few more Indian-style condiments…
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Ginger paste – how to make it + Usage & Storage
Ginger paste is created by grinding fresh ginger root into a smooth and flavorful paste. Its strong and distinctive taste provides a dash of heat and zing to any dish. Although it’s a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines, its versatility has made it a staple in kitchens worldwide.
Garlic paste – how to make it + usage & storage
Garlic paste is made from garlic cloves that have been crushed or pureed to a smooth consistency, sometimes with a bit of oil and maybe a pinch of salt.
PS – I learned about tomato chutney from the fantastic Indian chef, Vineet Bhatia, in his BBC Maestro cooking course, Modern Indian Cooking. If you’d like to learn more, too, as well as explore other common Indian ingredients and recipes, then pop on over and check out the BBC Maestro Modern Indian Cooking course. I think you will enjoy exploring as much as I do!
Thanks to BBC Maestro for providing me with a free online cooking class to help me write this post!
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