Onion chutney is a great accompaniment to idli, dosa, upma, and even chapati. It is very common in all South Indian homes. I learned this recipe from my mom, and I usually make this chutney once a week. I love this chutney, even as a spread for sandwiches. Though I have used red onions, you can also use pearl onions to prepare this chutney.
Ingredients
You will require very few simple ingredients to make this easy South Indian onion chutney recipe.
Onions - I like to use red onions as they are sweeter in taste. You can also use shallots or pearl onions (sambar onions) for this recipe. Garlic - use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Red Chillies - Use Byadgi red chilies or Kashmiri Red Chillies to get a bright red color and heat to the chutney. If you don’t have it, use Kashmiri red chili powder instead. Lentils: I used split urad dal and split chana dal. They add great texture and a nutty flavor to the chutney, so don’t skip them. Herbs - use fresh herbs like curry leaves to enhance the flavor of the chutney. My mom also adds coriander leaves along with curry leaves to this chutney. Tamarind - Adds tanginess to the onion chutney. You can also use store-bought tamarind paste if that is what you have in hand. You may also substitute it with lemon juice. Tempering - mustard seeds, curry leaves, asafoetida, red chili, and oil are used for this tempering.
How to Make South Indian Onion Chutney
In a pan, add oil. Once it’s hot, add split urad dal, split chana dal, and dried red chilies. Saute till the dal turns light golden in color. Then add onions and garlic cloves and saute for 2-3 minutes until onions turn soft. Then add curry leaves, and saute till the onions turn light brown. Turn off the flame and cool the mixture completely. Once cooled, transfer the mixture into the blender. Add tamarind, jaggery, and salt and blend with no or very less water until smooth. Heat coconut oil in a small pan, add mustard seeds, dry red chili, curry leaves, and hing, and saute for a few seconds. Add the tempering and pour the tempering over the ground onion chutney. Serve onion chutney with idli or dosa.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this South Indian Onion chutney with idli, dosa, paniyaram, uttapam, neer dosa, upma, or paratha. You can also serve it with hot steamed rice and dal with some homemade ghee.
Storage Suggestions
This onion chutney keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week, making it a great make-ahead chutney dish. **Tip. While grinding, avoid adding too much water if you want to store it for more days. More moisture means this chutney will spoil faster.
Tips & Variations
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