🌶️ Kara Chutney Recipe | Spicy South Indian Side Dish

“Fiery, tangy, and flavorful — the chutney that makes idlis and dosas come alive!”

A must-have accompaniment in South Indian homes, Kara Chutney is bold, spicy, and packed with flavor. Made with a blend of onions, tomatoes, garlic, and red chilies, and lifted with a touch of mint, this chutney is both refreshing and fiery. Whether you’re enjoying it with soft idlis, crispy dosas, or even as a dip for snacks, this chutney adds a burst of taste to every bite!

🛒 Ingredients

• Onion – 3 (chopped)
• Tomato – 2 (chopped)
• Garlic – 2 to 3 cloves
• Mint Leaves – ½ cup
• Urad Dal – 2 tbsp
• Chana Dal – 1 tbsp
• Red Chilies – 10 to 12
• Asafoetida (Hing) – a pinch
• Salt – to taste
• Oil – 2 tbsp

Optional Tempering:

• Oil – 1 tsp
• Mustard Seeds – ½ tsp
• Urad Dal – ½ tsp
• Asafoetida – a pinch

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Roast the Ingredients

• Heat 2 tbsp oil in a kadai.
• Add urad dal and chana dal. Fry until golden brown.
• Add red chilies and sauté for a minute.
• Add hing and garlic; sauté until raw smell disappears.
• Add onions and sauté until translucent.
• Add tomatoes and cook until mushy.
• Add mint leaves, mix well for a minute, and switch off the flame.

2. Grind the Chutney

• Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
• Grind into a smooth chutney without adding water.
• Transfer to a serving bowl.

3. Tempering (Optional)

• Heat 1 tsp oil, add mustard seeds, urad dal, and hing.
• Fry until mustard splutters.
• Pour over chutney and mix well.

Your Kara Chutney is ready to serve! 🌶️

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Pairs best with idli, dosa, uthappam, and paniyaram
• Works as a spicy dip for snacks and pakoras
• Can even be used as a spread in sandwiches or wraps

🌟 Tips & Notes

• Spice Control – Adjust the number of red chilies to your spice preference.
• Mint Twist – Mint adds freshness but can be skipped for plain chutney.
• Consistency – Do not add water while grinding; tomatoes provide enough moisture.
• Shelf Life – Always use a clean spoon to increase storage life.

🥗 Nutritional Highlights

Onion & Tomato

• Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C, and minerals

Garlic & Mint

• Aid digestion, improve gut health, and add aroma

Dals (Urad & Chana)

• Boost protein and fiber content

Red Chilies

• Add spice and natural antioxidants

🧊 Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
• Reheat with a quick tempering before serving if chilled.
• Not suitable for freezing as freshness and flavor reduce.

Bring the authentic taste of South Indian kitchens to your table with this bold and spicy Kara Chutney! 🌶️✨

Video Tutorial