A very simple yet very tangy chutney which surely adds zing to any meal. Fresh red chillies are deseeded and ground with garlic and spices. I tasted this chutney for the first time in Mangalore at my sister-in-law’s place. Her mom is an expert cook and she serves variety of such yummy side dishes and snacks with every meal. I made some very simple modifications to the original recipe. I roasted the chillies, tomato, and garlic to add the smokey flavor and it just works wonders.

You can make this without the tomato too. Tomato adds body to the chutney. You can adjust the lime and sugar as per taste but I would suggest not leaving out the sugar. Sugar balances the spice and sour elements and gives this chutney the tangy taste. This chutney can be served as a side dish with any meals or even as a dip with nachos, crisps, or simple vegetable crudités.

Ingredients

Makes 2/3 cup

• 10 fresh red chillies
• 8 -9 garlic cloves
• 1 tomato
• 3 tsp lime juice
• ½ tsp sugar
• ¼ cup chopped coriander
• Salt to taste

Recipe

Wash and pat dry the chillies and tomato. Grill/roast the chillies, tomato, and garlic on open flame turning every few minutes till the skin looks charred. Remove from fire and cover them immediately. Once the chillies, garlic, and tomato are cooled. Peel the skin and chop them roughly. Remember to de-seed the chillies.

Grind the chillies, garlic, tomato, lime juice, sugar, and salt to a very coarse paste. Add the chopped coriander and grind again to a coarse paste. Store covered in fridge. This chutney can be served as a dip with snacks or as a side dish with any meals.