Onion Chutney (South Indian)

Raw Onion chutney recipe is a very popular South Indian chutney recipe made using red onions and some spices usually served as a side with idli, dosa, upma or pongal. Onion chutney is a great accompaniment to idli, dosa, upma and even chapati. It is very common in all South Indian homes.

1 Tbsp. oil
1 cup onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic
5-6 red chillies
2 Tbsp. coriander leaves
1 stalk curry leaves
¼ tsp. tamarind
¼ tsp. jaggery optional
kosher or sea salt

Tempering:
1 tsp. oil
½ tsp. mustard seeds
2-3 curry leaves
a pinch asafetida (hing)

In a kadai, add oil, once it's hot add onions and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

Once they are half way cooked, add red chillies, coriander leaves, tamarind and curry leaves and sauté till onions turn golden brown.

Cool the mixture completely and add contents into the blender. Add salt for taste and jaggery and blend with no or less water.

Add tempering and serve onion chutney with idli or dosa.

Makes 3 servings.

Cook's Notes:

• You can also roast 1 tsp. each of urad dal and chana dal separately and grind with sautéed onion mixture.
• Try using red onions or shallots for this recipe to get best results.
• Roast the onions on medium low flame till it caramelizes or turns golden brown. Else chutney will have raw onion taste.
• If you don't have tamarind replace it with lemon juice. But traditionally tamarind is used.