Ginger-Tamarind Chutney (Inji Puli)

A spicy and tangy South Indian chutney made with fresh ginger, green chilies, and tamarind. This sweet-sour condiment features aromatic curry leaves and mustard seeds, making it perfect as an accompaniment to rice or dosas.

4 servings
12 min

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • ½ cup minced peeled ginger
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh green chile
  • 2 teaspoons tamarind concentrate
  • ½ cup hot water
  • ¼ teaspoon brown mustard seeds
  • teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 10 pieces fresh curry leaves
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 pinch ground asafetida
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 teaspoons grated jaggery

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over medium-low heat (coconut oil has a very low smoking point, so be careful not to let it get too hot). Add ginger and chile and cook, stirring, until ginger begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Dissolve tamarind concentrate in 1/2 cup hot water.

    1 min

  3. 3.

    Heat remaining tablespoon coconut oil in a small heavy skillet over medium heat, then cook mustard seeds until they begin to pop and/or turn gray. Add red pepper flakes and curry leaves (if using), covering skillet immediately, and stir until curry leaves are crisp.

    3 min

  4. 4.

    Add spice mixture to ginger mixture along with cayenne, asafetida, and salt and cook over medium heat, stirring, 1 minute. Add tamarind liquid and jaggery and simmer, stirring, until mixture becomes somewhat thick and syrupy, about 2 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

    3 min