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Peanut Chutney

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sauces & condiments•indian•vegetarian, vegan
20 minutes•6 servings•

Ingredients

  • 1 cup peanuts
  • 3 whole green chilies
  • 2 cloves garlic – peeled
  • 1 tsp tamarind paste
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 1/2 tbsp peanut oil
  • 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds
  • 1/2 tsp urad dal
  • 1 whole dried red chile
  • 10 leaves curry leaves
  • 1/8 tsp asafoetida (hing)
Peanut Chutney

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Dry-roast the peanuts in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until golden and fragrant and the skins begin to split, 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool for 5 minutes, then rub between your palms to shed any loose skins (optional for a smoother chutney).

  2. 2.

    Transfer them to a blender with the green chilies, garlic, tamarind paste, fine salt, and 0.5 cup of the water. Blend until smooth, 45–60 seconds, scraping down as needed; add the remaining water as needed (up to 0.25 cup more) to reach a medium-thick, spoonable consistency. Scrape the chutney into a serving bowl.

  3. 3.

    For the tempering, heat the peanut oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add black mustard seeds; when they crackle and pop, 30–45 seconds, add urad dal and fry until pale golden, 30–60 seconds. Add the dried red chile, curry leaves, and asafoetida; fry just until the leaves crisp and the spices smell nutty, 10–15 seconds.

  4. 4.

    Immediately pour the hot tempering over the chutney and stir to combine. Taste and adjust salt. Serve with idli, dosa, vada, or uttapam.

Peanut Chutney is a creamy, nutty, and gently tangy South Indian accompaniment with a lively tempering of spices. The body comes from roasted peanuts, while green chilies and garlic add heat and aroma. A finishing sizzle of mustard seeds, urad dal, dried red chili, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida lends crackle and fragrance, making it a perfect counterpoint to soft idli and crisp dosa.

Rooted in the tiffin traditions of southern India—especially Andhra-Telangana and Karnataka—this chutney reflects how New World peanuts were embraced and localized over the last few centuries. It evolved alongside fermented rice-lentil staples, offering richness without dairy and bright acidity from tamarind. Variations abound across households, but the defining pattern of roasted peanuts, tartness, and a vibrant tempering remains a beloved constant.