This poondu chutney aka garlic chutney is a spicy and flavorful condiment that is easy to make and can be served with idly, dosa, or flatbreads. You can also use this as a sandwich spread.
About the Poondu Chutney
This poondu chutney is so delicious that you will always include it in your menu, also beacuse of its ease of preparation and the advantages of storing it. And you can serve it for any meal as a side.
Poondu (in Tamil) aka garlic is a bulb from the allium family and it has multiple medicinal benefits. Although it is well know for antioxidant and antibacterial properties, it is equally well used by people to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This wonderful garlic is a gift to us from Mother Nature!
Coming back to garlic/poondu chutney, there are multiple versions of chutney. Like any recipe, the chutney recipe varies from home to home and also varies with regions. This recipe is one of South Indian version that is usually served with idli and dosa which is spicy too. The tamarind and salt balance the flavor of dried red chilies and garlic. As the recipe states, this can be made with simple pantry essentials. So make this anytime to fix a quick side for a meal.
Ingredients
You will require the following ingredients to make this delicious poondu chutney:
Garlic - The bulbs of this allium family memeber enhances the flavor and aroma of any food. This is the star of the recipe and you will need roughly about two heads of garlic.
Dried red chili - This is the spicy component of the chutney. You may adjust this based on your spicy heat tolerance.
Tamarind - Sour tamarind gives flavor and balances the heat of spicy red chilies.
Salt - Gives flavor.
Sesame oil - Adds flavor and aroma.
Mustard seeds - Adds to the flavor.
Split urad dal - Adds to the crunch and flavor.
Asafetida - The pungent asafetida adds aroma and flavor. It also aids in digestion.
Curry leaves - Boosts flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy garlic chutney is great to serve with idli or dosa. I often make this and serve with Little Millet Idli or Instant Broken Wheat Rava Idli. This is a great condiment to serve with dosa or can be spread on dosa for a delicious spicy twist.
This can also be served with savory pancake puffs like Kuzhipaniyaram, Kale and Sprouted Horsegram Paniyaram, or Tomato Paniyaram.
Yet, another option to use this spicy chutney is to use in sandwiches and grilled cheeses. It adds a spicy and flavorful kick!
Storage
This makes about a little more than half a cup of chutney. I store the leftover chutney in the refrigerator and it stays yummy for about 10 days. I reheat the chutney in the microwave in 10-15 second blitzes to bring it back to room temperature. However, you may also reheat it on stovetop.
More Chutney Recipes
Chutney is always an yummy condiment to serve with any meal or snacks. A spicy chutney like this garlic chutney will add a great flavor kick to your meal. If you love spicy chutney, I would suggest this Green Chilli Chutney and Fresno Chili Pepper Chutney, they make an amazing side for idli or dosa.
Chutney can be made with veggies too! I make the Yellow Squash Chutney once I pick it from my garden. Herbs can also be used along with veggies for a flavor boost like this Minty Tomato Peanut Chutney or Opo Cilantro Chutney
Nevertheless, you can make chutneys with nuts too! try this Pecan Chutney or peanut chutney for a protein opacked dip or side.
Lastly, this Hot and Sweet Cranberry Chutney is one of our favorites to enjoy with snacks as soon as cranberries ht the markets during fall. Try these chutneys and let me know how your family loved these.
More Garlic Recipes
Garlic is a part of any cuisine. Though I grew up with no garlic recipes at home, I do love the flavor of this aromatic bulb. It adds immense flavor and aroma. Some may not like the strong flavor of this bulb but you can add according to your tolerance such that you reap the medicinal benefits as well as flavor benefits out of this bulb.
Ginger and garlic are a duo that is used in most of the Indian recipes. You shoukld try this simple Ginger Garlic Quinoa which is a protein packed easy meal. Try this Instant Garlic Rasam for a delicious broth which will give you utmost comfort anytime of the year.
Many regional Indian cuisines include garlic in their pickle or achar. However, you can make a tasty pickle with garlic alone as the star. This Spicy Garlic Pickle will stand up to all your expectations. Serve this with parathas or yogurt rice for an easy meal.
This Spicy and Cheesy No Knead Roasted Garlic Sourdough Bread is a great option to serve with soups for a meal or with coffee/chai for a quick snack. It is super easy to make.
Last but not the least, garlic makes a simple meal, elevated. Trust me. This Lemon Garlic Pasta is a great example. It is super easy to make and the flavor the garlic adds is unbelievable. If love spicy food, this Hot Garlic Noodles is for you!
Poondu Chutney
Ingredients
- 15-20 Garlic
- 8-10 Dried red chilies
- ¼ Cup Water
- 1 tbsp Tamarind
- 1¼ tsp Salt
- 3-4 tbsp Sesame oil
- ½ tsp Mustard
- 1 sprig Curry leaf
- ⅙ tsp Asafetida
Instructions
- Soak the dried red chilies in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
- Add the soaked chili (reserve the water), garlic, tamarind, and salt. Add the reserved water step by step and grind to a smooth paste.
- Heat the oil in a pan. Add the mustard seeds and when it splutters add the split urad dhal, fry for 30-40 seconds. Add the asafetida and curry leaves, fry for 30 seconds.
- Add the ground garlic-chili mixture and cook the chutney for 3-4 minutes until the oil separates.
- Transfer to a serving bowl.Serve as a dip for idli, dosa, flatbreads or use as a sandwich spread.
"Give Me The Garlic" Recipes
Give Me the Garlic!
- Garlic and Vegetable Cheese Spread from Karen's Kitchen Stories
- Garlic Bread with Optional Garlic Scapes from Art of Natural Living
- Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
- Garlic Parmesan Noodles from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
- Grilled Garlic Rosemary Pork Loin from That Recipe
- Italian Herb and Garlic Focaccia from Hezzi-D's Recipe Box
- Roasted Garlic and Cheddar Burgers from Palatable Pastime
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Karen's Kitchen Stories says
This sounds delicious! I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have any leftovers!
Hezzi-D says
Yum! This would be amazing on sandwiches!
Cindy says
I love this flavor combo. Tamarind, garlic and chilis sounds so good together!
Inger says
This looks so flavorful. I can think of lots of things to do with it!
Christie says
There are so many recipes I want to make that call for curry leaves and asafetida. I'm going to have to see if my international grocery stores have them in there so I make delicious recipes like this one.