By Shreya Sarpal
June 5, 2025
Kara chutney is a fiery hot chutney in South Indian cuisine made with onion, tomato, garlic, lentils, and tempered with mustard seeds, hing and curry leaves. This chutney is paired with dosa, idli or appam.
2 tbsp oil 2 chopped onions 3 chopped tomatoes 3-4 dried red chillies 2 garlic cloves 1 tsp tamarind paste 1/4 tsp mustard seeds Few curry leaves Salt to taste
Heat oil in a pan, sauté onions, red chillies, garlic until onions turn golden, add tomatoes and then cook until soft.
Mix the tamarind paste and cook for another minute, then let it cool.
Blend the sauteed mixture into a smooth paste, add salt according to taste.
Heat the remaining oil add mustard seeds, let them splutter, and then toss in curry leaves.
Pour the tempering over the chutney and mix well.