A Bengali meal often ends with a chutney, and we always prepare it with seasonal fruits and veggies. My all-time favorite has been this Bengali Tomato Chutney. You get the sweetness of the tomato and mild spiciness from whole fresh green chili. It typically served with rice, however some people like to enjoy it with crispy papadum.
Bengali Tomato Chutney
This is a perfect sweet and spicy tomato chutney for rice and also, a great way to end the meal on a sweet note. The key ingredients are simple and very minimal.
Juicy Red Tomatoes – For the best taste and flavor of tomato chutney, choose seasonal red tomatoes. The tomato chutney recipe always calls for fresh tomatoes, and you cannot substitute it with canned tomatoes.
Black Mustard Seeds – You use a tiny amount of black mustard seeds in the hot oil to temper the oil.
Fennel Seeds and Fennel Powder – You use the whole seeds in the beginning of the cooking while tempering tAnd use the powder at the end for the perfumy aromatic flavor.
Dry Red Chili – The dry red chili is only for flavor. It will not make the chutney spicy.
Sugar or Jaggery – You have to add some sweetener to enhance the sweet factor of the tomato chutney. Sugar is most commonly used, but you could choose jaggery or honey. Do keep in mind that jaggery or honey will modify the overall taste of the chutney.
Fresh Green Chili – The spiciness of the Sweet and Spicy Tomato Chutney comes from the fresh green chili. I like to just add a couple of fresh green chilies right at the end of the cooking. It doesn’t add a lot of heat, but a mild heat flavor. Sometimes, I do slit the chili in half if I want it spicier.
Different version of Tomato Chutney
You can prepare Tomato chutney in various different ways.
A friend of mine makes a spicy tomato chutney recipe with garlic and curry leaves. It has a nice heat kick and goes really well with dosa or any variety of savory crêpe.
Another variation that I enjoy is the roasted tomato chutney with coconut, which I feel work great even on a cheese platter.
Bengalis love to pair this tomato chutney with spicy mutton curry!
One of the most common ways this chutney is served is alongside a spicy mutton curry or spicy chicken curry. The sweetness of the chutney helps to balance the heat of the curry.
While this version of the chutney is my favorite, my husband’s favorite is Tomato Date Chutney. You can find the recipe of the Tomato Date Chutney (Tomato Khejur Chaatni in Bengali) in my cookbook – Taste of Eastern India.
This is probably the easiest and fastest chutney preparation. I make it quite often, we all love it and I hope you will try it too.
DISCLAIMER: This is an old post that I have updated with better photos and content.
Here are few other chutney recipe:
Kacha Aam Er Chutney
Coriander Chutney And Tamarind Chutney
Grape Chutney on Baked Brie
Sweet and Spicy Tomato Chutney
Ingredients
- 5 red tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons mustard oil
- 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
- 1 dry red chili
- salt as per taste
- 3 tablespoons sugar (you might need more depending on the sweetness of the tomatoes)
- ½ teaspoon fennel powder
- 2 fresh green chilies
Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes length wise into thin wedges.
- Place a heavy bottom at medium heat and pour the oil. Once the oil heats up, scatter the mustard seeds and dry red chili. Let the spice sizzle up for a few seconds and then, drop the tomato slices.
- Sprinkle salt and sugar. Give it a stir. Cover the pan and let it cook for 5 minutes or until the tomatoes are softened and almost cooked through.
- Pour 1 cup water season with salt and cook for 3 minutes. Drop the green chili and fennel powder, mix it around and taste for salt. Add more, if needed. Also, if you prefer the chutney to be sweeter, add more sugar.
- Let it simmer for 3 more minutes.
- Sprinkle a bit more fennel powder on top while serving.
- Enjoy it warm with rice or papadum
Notes
Nutrition
angiesrecipes
Sweet and spicy are a GREAT combo of flavours. This chutney looks amazing.
Vanessa
gorgeous!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
Yum tomato chutney! I could easily eat it with tons of crackers 🙂
[email protected]
I made some tomato jam recently too! They are sooo good!
Radhika @ Just Home Made
Aah! Tomato chutney and Paanch phoron.. love both..
As intuitive as it is, haven't tried it.. Must, now..
Beautiful shots Kana..
Umm Mymoonah
I love this version of chutney and the pictures are so so beautiful.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen
Oh yes, this sounds wonderful with crackers and cheese!
Ira Rodrigues
Since I have papadams, i think it would goes really well with your tomato chutney, i will definitely give your recipe a try for sure!
reese@SeasonwithSpic
I'm a huge fan of chutneys. Your tomato chutney looks so lovely. Would definitely want to give it a try. I can just imagine the flavors! Great shots too especially the first one:)
maha
luks yumm yumm...nice one..vl try this..my fav too........nice blog vth awesome recipes..
Maha:-)
Ally
This chutney looks incredible good! I adore your photography. You are so talented!
xo
http://allykayler.blogspot.com/
sonia
Hi There, Congratulations for TOP 9 !!!!!!
The chatni is looking so delightful. A very well made post with beautiful pictures. I simply love home made tomato chutney, perfect with any breads. Have a wonderful week ahead. Thanks & Regards, Sonia !!!
alyce culinary thyme
Love, love, love tomato chutney. Pretty pics too.
Kala
I have never tried chutney before. Your photos make it look so inviting, I want to taste it now!
Kitchen Belleicious
I will never go hungry again after seeing this post! not that i go hungry but seriously one would just have to have this in the house and be set for the rest of their life! i love this chutney! Love it
katie
AHHH love, love, love! Must make this asap! Found this via pinterest and so glad I stopped by to take a look!
Nash at plateful
I love spicy, tangy tomato chutney. Never tried the sweet version though, sounds mouthwatering! As for the pics, gorgeous! First shot of tomato is my fave 🙂
Emily
I love the simplicity of chutney making and it gives sandwiches the "gourmet" touch. I love the colors and I can imagine the chillies in the chutney will give a wonderful kick in the tastebuds! 🙂
Najla
Going to try this out Kanakana.. Lovely snaps!!!
Reem | Simply Reem
Beautiful Kankana!!!!
This chutney is gorgeous, God I love the 1st pic of tomato!!!!
Lovely..... I am drooling over the recipe and the pics...