South Indian Onion Chutney

A life-changing South Indian onion chutney, perfect with hot rice and ghee. This recipe blends caramelized onions, lentils, garlic, and chilies into a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet condiment. Finished with a fragrant tempering, it's easy, quick, and deeply satisfying.

EasySouth IndianServes 4

Printable version with shopping checklist

Source Video
13m
Prep
17m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
40m
Total

Cost Breakdown

Total cost:$2.85
Per serving:$0.71

Critical Success Points

  • • Frying dals and cumin seeds until golden, not burnt.
  • • Properly caramelizing onions for depth of flavor.
  • • Letting mixture cool before blending to avoid steam burns.
  • • Tempering spices without burning them.
  • • Cooking the blended chutney briefly to meld flavors.

Safety Warnings

  • • Hot oil can splatter when adding curry leaves—stand back and use a splatter guard if needed.
  • • Allow mixture to cool before blending to avoid steam burns.
  • • Handle chilies with care; wash hands after touching.
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