Madhurs Red Pepper Chutney Recipes

CAPSICUM CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Heat a pan and keep the flame to a low. Add sesame oil. When the oil becomes hot, add urad dal (split and husked black gram) and chana dal (split and husked bengal gram).
• On a low flame stirring often fry both the lentils, till they turn golden. Make sure not to burn them.
• Then add sesame seeds.
• Mix and fry till the sesame seeds start crackling.
• Then add the red chili, curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Mix very well. This is not a spicy chutney and the taste is on sweeter side. However if you want to make it spicy you then you can increase the number of red chillies now.
• Next add chopped red capsicum (shimla mirch). Mix well.
• Add salt as required. Mix again and saute capsicum on a low flame.
• Saute capsicum till they soften for about 6 to 7 minutes on a low flame.
• Then add desiccated coconut and dried tamarind. You can also add fresh coconut instead of desiccated coconut. A bit of sugar or jaggery can also be added. You can also add roasted peanuts to make it more healthy and filling.
• Mix very well and switch off the flame.
• Let the mixture become warm or cool down at room temperature. Then add it in a blender or food processor or grinder jar along with water.
• Blend till smooth.
• Remove the chutney in a bowl. Scrape of the sides and bottom of the blender or grinder jar and add the remaining chutney in the same bowl.
• If you want, you can even add some water and then swirl the jar. This way the chutney at the bottom and sides of the jar gets mixed with the water. But do note that not to add too much water as then the chutney will become thin.
• Heat sesame oil in the same pan and add mustard seeds.
• Once the mustard seeds crackle, add curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida (optional). Mix and stir.
• Pour all of the tempering in the chutney. Mix well.
• Serve capsicum chutney with idli, dosa, adai or vada or steamed rice. You can also serve it with akki roti. Leftover chutney can be refrigerated and it stays good for 1 to 2 days.

FRESH CILANTRO CHUTNEY

Steps:

• In a small skillet over medium-high heat, toast cumin seeds until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Let cool completely, then grind in a spice grinder.
• Place ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining ingredients in the jar of a blender; season with pepper. Blend, stopping to push mixture down sides several times with a rubber spatula, until a paste forms. Transfer paste to a small glass or other nonmetallic bowl. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 days.

SPICED PEACH & PEPPER CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a preserving pan or large wide saucepan. Add the onions and fry for a few mins until starting to soften. Add the ginger and cook until soft, another 1-2 mins.
• Stir in the spices for 1-2 mins to release their aroma, then add the peppers, vinegar and sugar. Simmer for 10 mins until the sugar has dissolved and the peppers are starting to soften.
• Stir in the sultanas and peaches, and simmer for another 45 mins until the chutney is pulpy rather than watery. Leave to stand for 15 mins; then, while still warm, pot into sterilised jars. Will keep for 3 months stored in a cool, dark place. Transfer to the fridge once opened and eat within a month.

MARY BERRY'S CHRISTMAS CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Peel the tomatoes - prick them with a sharp knife, place in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave for a few seconds then drain and cover with cold water. The skins will now come away easily.
• Chop the tomatoes and aubergine and seed and chop the peppers. Put in a large heavy-based pan with the onions and garlic and bring to the boil. Cover with a lid, lower the heat and gently simmer for about one hour, stirring occasionally, until tender.
• Tip the sugar, vinegar, salt, coriander, paprika and cayenne into the pan and bring to the boil over a medium heat, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved. Continue to boil for 30 minutes or so, until the mixture achieves a chunky chutney consistency and the surplus watery liquid has evaporated. Take care towards the end of the cooking time to continue stirring so that the chutney doesn't catch on the bottom of the pan.
• Ladle the chutney into sterilised or dishwasher-clean jars (Kilner jars are ideal) and top with paper jam covers. Seal the jars while still hot. Leave to mature for at least a month in a cool dark place.

THREE-PEPPER CHUTNEY

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until thickened. Cool., Pour into a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until chilled.