By Shreya Sarpal
August 21, 2025
Red chutney for idli is a spicy, tangy blend of onions, tomatoes, garlic, and red chillies, tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. It pairs perfectly with idli, dosa, vada, or uttapam for extra flavour.
1 tbsp oil 2–3 dried red chillies (adjust to spice level) 1 sliced onion 2 chopped tomatoes 3–4 garlic cloves 1 tbsp roasted chana dal Salt to taste Small piece of tamarind For tempering: 1 tsp oil ½ tsp mustard seeds ½ tsp urad dal A few curry leaves
Heat oil and fry red chillies until crisp, then add garlic and onion, sauté till golden.
Add tomatoes, salt, tamarind and cook until soft and mushy.
Let cool, then grind with roasted chana dal into a smooth paste.
Prepare tempering by heating oil, spluttering mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves.
Pour over chutney and mix well.