Tamarind Chutney Recipe with Jaggery

This Tamarind Chutney Recipe with Jaggery combines the tanginess f tamarind with the sweetness of jaggery; perfectly contrasting balance of flavors.

This chutney pairs so well with my Low Calorie Chana Chat.

A perfectly prepared tamarind chutney can add life to your homemade chat, samosas and other fried snacks!

About Tamarind Chutney

Tamarind chutney with jaggery is a beloved condiment in Indian cuisine, cherished for its sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile. Here are some additional insights about this delightful chutney:

Versatility: Tamarind chutney with jaggery is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. It’s commonly served as a dipping sauce for savory snacks like samosas, pakoras, and chaats. It also pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and rice dishes.
Key Ingredients: The main ingredients in tamarind chutney with jaggery are tamarind pulp, jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), and spices like cumin, ginger, and chili powder. Tamarind provides the characteristic tangy flavor, while jaggery adds sweetness and depth.

Health Benefits: Tamarind, the primary ingredient in the chutney, is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s known for its digestive properties and can help alleviate digestive issues. However, since jaggery is used as a sweetener, it’s important to consume the chutney in moderation, especially for those watching their sugar intake.
Cultural Significance: Tamarind chutney with jaggery is an integral part of Indian cuisine and is often prepared during festivals, celebrations, and religious ceremonies. It’s also a staple condiment in Indian households, where recipes may vary based on regional preferences and family traditions.
Homemade vs. Store-bought: While store-bought versions of tamarind chutney are readily available, many people prefer making it at home to customize the flavors and adjust the sweetness and spiciness according to their taste preferences. Homemade chutney allows for the use of fresh ingredients and gives you control over the quality of the final product.

Overall, tamarind chutney with jaggery is a delightful addition to any meal, adding depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness to a wide range of dishes. Whether enjoyed as a dip, sauce, or condiment, it’s sure to tantalize your taste buds with its unique blend of flavors.

Health Benefits of Tamarind

Tamarind offers a range of nutritional benefits, thanks to its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here are some of its key nutritional benefits:

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Tamarind is a good source of vitamins such as vitamin C, which is essential for immune function and skin health, and vitamin A, important for vision and skin health. It also contains minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron, which are vital for various bodily functions including heart health, muscle function, and blood circulation.

High in Antioxidants: Tamarind contains various antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Improves Digestive Health: Tamarind is known for its natural laxative properties due to its high fiber content. It can help promote regular bowel movements, prevent constipation, and improve overall digestive health. Tamarind also contains compounds that may help relieve stomach discomfort and aid digestion.
May Aid Weight Loss: The fiber content in tamarind can promote a feeling of fullness and reduce appetite, which may support weight management efforts. Additionally, tamarind contains compounds like hydroxycitric acid (HCA) that may inhibit the enzyme involved in fat storage, potentially aiding weight loss.

Supports Heart Health: Tamarind is low in sodium and high in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and maintain heart health. Its fiber content may also help lower cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Tamarind contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which may help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to various health conditions, including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.
May Improve Blood Sugar Control: Some research suggests that tamarind may help improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity, making it potentially beneficial for individuals with diabetes. However, more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels.

Overall, incorporating tamarind into your diet can offer a range of nutritional benefits and contribute to overall health and well-being.

What do you need to make tamarind chutney?

Tamarind pulp: Tamarind is the key ingredient that lends the chutney its tangy flavor. You can use either fresh tamarind pulp or tamarind concentrate.
Jaggery: Jaggery is unrefined sugar made from sugarcane juice or palm sap. It adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the chutney.

Spices: Common spices used in sweet tamarind chutney include cumin seeds, ginger, red chili powder, and black salt. These spices enhance the flavor and add complexity to the chutney.
Water: Water is added to adjust the consistency of the chutney and to help dissolve the jaggery and blend the ingredients.
Optional ingredients: Some variations of the chutney may include additional ingredients such as dates, raisins, or dried apricots to enhance the sweetness and texture.

Tamarind Chutney Ingredients

Tamarind with seeds (such as Eastern Brand)
Water
Dried plums (sookhay aloo bukharay)

Fresh ginger, chopped
Jaggery (gurr)
Chaat masala

Roasted and crushed cumin

How to make tamarind chutney

This tamarind chutney recipe is quite easy, and tastes amaaazing!

Begin by soaking the tamarind and dried plums (sookhay aloo bukharay) in boiling water for 2 hours. By soaking tamarind and dried plums in boiling water, then simmering them with ginger, jaggery, and spices, this recipe yields a rich and flavorful chutney.

After soaking, transfer the mixture to a stove and add chopped ginger. Let it cook for an hour. As you follow the instructions of the tamarind chutney recipe, the aroma of simmering spices will surely fill the kitchen.

Once cooked, strain the mixture to remove the seeds and any coarse fibers.

Return the strained mixture to the stove and add jaggery, chaat masala, and roasted crushed cumin.

Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the jaggery completely dissolves and the chutney thickens to your desired consistency.

Once the chutney reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the stove and let it cool.

Transfer the cooled chutney into a clean, airtight jar. You can choose to freeze half of it for later use.

Nutritional Information

Total prepared chutney:

Weight: 1420 grams
Calories: 2932.75 kcal
Carbohydrates: 720.75 grams

Protein: 12 grams
Fat: 6.75 grams

1 tablespoon serving of chutney (20 grams):

Calories: 41 kcal

Carbohydrates: 10 grams
Protein: 0.2 grams
Fat: 0.1 grams

How to serve

You can serve this Tamarind Chutney with Jaggery alongside your favorite Indian or Pakistani snacks for a burst of sweet and tangy goodness. It’s a versatile condiment that pairs well with a variety of dishes, but these have got to be the most popular:

Samosas: These crispy, savory pastries are often served with tamarind chutney as a dipping sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Pakoras: Whether they’re made with potatoes, onions, or vegetables, pakoras are delicious when accompanied by tamarind chutney, adding a sweet and tangy contrast to their spiciness.

Low Calorie Chana Chat: Tamarind chutney is an essential component of many chaat dishes, such as bhel puri, papdi chaat, and dahi puri, adding depth of flavor and tanginess to these savory snacks.