Indian Mint Sauce

Indian mint sauce or Indian mint chutney is a popular condiment in Indian cuisine. It is served with appetisers or snacks for a spicy, tangy hit. 

It is made with fresh mint leaves, cilantro leaves, yoghurt or tamarind paste, and a variety of spices. This chutney really lifts the flavour of any dish.

Mint chutney can be eaten alone or with a variety of dishes such as curries, dal, roti or rice. 

It is an easy way to add some flavor and nutrition to your meal. Try making it at home with fresh ingredients for a delicious addition to any Indian dish.

You may also like mint chutney, raw mango chutney, aam ki launji.

Ingredients

Mint leaves: As the name suggest, mint leaves is the essential ingredient of this chutney. It provides a fresh taste and complements the coolness of yogurt.

Cilantro leaves: Cilantro or coriander leaves are very commonly used in Indian sauces or chutney for their fresh flavour and bright green color.

Chillies: Indian chutneys always have a chilli kick. Green chillies are used here. Use less or more as per your taste.

Yogurt: This chutney uses yogurt to balance out the spices and chillies. It tastes great.

Spices: Ginger, garlic, cumin powder, ground coriander and salt are used.

Instructions

Clean and wash mint leaves. Do not use stalks as they are slightly bitter in taste. 

Clean and wash cilantro leaves. You can use leaves and stems in the chutney. They are very flavourful.

Take garlic, ginger roughly chopped and 2 tbsp. beaten yogurt.

Assemble the spice powders: cumin, ground coriander and salt. I use a combination of black salt or pink salt and regular salt.

This is because pink salt really lifts the taste of this chutney. If you don't have it, then you may skip it and use more of regular salt.

A little bit of sugar is used to balance out the tastes. You can skip it if you so wish.
In a blender or food processor, combine the mint leaves, cilantro leaves, green chilli, ginger and garlic.

Blend until smooth.

Whip yogurt and add to the chutney so that it smoothly blends. Add spices and two types of salt. If adding sugar, add here.

You can also just add the yogurt and give it one buzz in the blender to incorporate everything well.

For more tang, you may add a tsp. of lemon juice (optional) to the chutney before serving.

Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 15- 30 minutes before serving. 

Transfer the chutney mixture to a bowl and serve chilled.

Serve chilled, as a condiment or accompaniment to any Indian dish. Enjoy! 

Storage Instructions

It tastes best when fresh. 

Mint chutney can be stored for upto 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. 

It may get a little darker in colour on storing but still tastes good.

You can also freeze this chutney and store for a couple of months in the freezer. Thaw, blend and use.

Tips

1. This Indian mint yogurt sauce is a very handy condiment that stays in the fridge for 2 days in an airtight container.

2. Mint leaves not only taste good but also provide a refreshing taste to this chutney.

3. You can use stems of cilantro leaves as they are really flavourful in this chutney.

4. Adjust green chillies as per taste. In case, you can’t find green chillies, you can use Fresno chillies or jalapeños.

5. Sugar is optional and only balances out the heat and tartness in the chutney. You can skip it if you so desire.

6. I avoid adding yogurt to the chutney while blending to prevent it from splitting.

Whipped yogurt mixes well with blended chutney. You can use Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt.

Serving Suggestions

Indian Mint Chutney is a versatile condiment that can be used in many different ways. 
Dip: It can be used as a dip with crackers, French fries, snacks or samosas.

Spread: This chutney is handy and healthy spread on sandwiches and wraps.

Dressing: You can drizzle it over grilled vegetables and meats. You can also use it as a dressing over salads.

Side: Serve it as a side with aloo parathas, gobi paratha, mooli paratha, cabbage paratha etc. along with a bowl of yogurt.  

With appetiser: This mint chutney is very popular when served with paneer tikka, tandoori gobhi, tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, tandoori shrimp and tandoori aloo. 

It is a match made in heaven.

Marinade: It is a fantastic green marinade for paneer, tofu, fish, prawns or chicken. stirred into soups and curries for extra flavor, or used as an ingredient to make sauces, dressings and marinades.

Variations 

Indian Mint Chutney can be easily customized to suit your taste. Use yogurt (plant-based or dairy) depending upon your preference.

Cashew and peanut yogurt work well.
For a creamier version, substitute the yoghurt for coconut milk or yogurt.

FAQs

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