Guava chutney, with its perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavours, is a versatile condiment that can elevate a variety of dishes. Guava chutney is a tasty and nutritious condiment that adds a burst of flavour to a variety of dishes like bhajis, pakoras, falafel, and more. It offers a distinctive blend of sweet and tangy flavours, with a hint of warmth from spices. It provides a unique taste experience that can't be replicated with other fruits. It can be used as a dipping sauce, a spread, or a side dish, adding depth to various meals.
This delightful condiment works its magic as a perfect accompaniment to an array of snacks, complementing everything from samosas and pakoras to cheese and crackers. Elevate your meat dishes by using it as a marinade for grilled meats or a glaze for roasted chicken. Transform your sandwiches into gourmet delights by spreading guava chutney on the bread before adding your favorite fillings. Additionally, turn it into a dipping delight by serving it as a flavorful dipping sauce for kebabs or spring rolls.
Guavas are rich in essential nutrients like vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants. Incorporating them into a chutney allows you to enjoy these health benefits in a flavorful way. Guava chutney adds a tropical and sweet element to grilled meats, enhancing their overall flavour profile. It's a creative way to use ripe guavas and customise the level of sweetness and spice according to your taste preferences.
This comprehensive guide will take you through the step-by-step process of making guava chutney, offering insights into ingredient selection, preparation techniques, and creative variations to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
4-5 medium-sized, peeled, and diced guavas (ripe)
1 cup sugar (adjusted based on the sweetness of guavas)
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon red chilli flakes (adjust to spice preference)
1 tablespoon ginger, finely grated
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
A pinch of asafoetida (Hing)
1 tablespoon of oil
1/4 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions:
Prepare the Guavas:
Wash, peel, remove seeds, and chop guavas into small, uniform pieces.
Cooking the Guavas:
Cook guava pieces in a pan with a bit of water until soft and easily mashable.
Making the Spice Mix:
Dry roast mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and fenugreek seeds until fragrant. Grind into a coarse powder.
Sauté red chilli flakes in a bit of oil until aromatic.
Saute Onions, Garlic, and Ginger:
In the same pan, sauté finely chopped onions until golden. Add minced garlic and ginger; cook until the raw smell disappears.
Add cooked guavas to the onion-garlic-ginger mix.
Stir in the spice mix, sugar, vinegar, and salt. Adjust quantities based on taste.
Simmer until the chutney reaches the desired consistency.
Check for Balance:
Taste and adjust sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness according to your liking.
Cool and Store:
Allow the guava chutney to cool before transferring it to sterilised jars.
Properly sealed jars can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Enhance the flavour profile of your guava chutney with various exciting variations. For a burst of minty freshness, incorporate finely chopped mint leaves into the mix. If you're craving some heat, elevate the spiciness by increasing the quantity of red chilli flakes or adding chopped green chillies.
Introduce a unique tanginess by including a small amount of tamarind paste. For a delightful crunch, consider toasting and crushing nuts or seeds like peanuts or sesame seeds. For a fruity fusion, experiment with adding other fruits like mango or pineapple, creating a tropical medley of flavours.