By Akshara
March 2, 2026
Imli chutney is a classic North Indian tamarind reduction traditionally served with chaat, samosas and kachori. The combination of tamarind pulp and jaggery creates a natural sweet-sour balance while roasted cumin and black salt deepen flavour. Tamarind contains polyphenols and aids digestion when consumed in moderation. The chutney thickens naturally as it cools and stores well in the refrigerator.
½ cup seedless tamarind ¾ cup warm water ½ cup grated jaggery 1 tsp roasted cumin powder ½ tsp red chilli powder ¼ tsp black salt Salt to taste
Soak tamarind in warm water for fifteen minutes and extract thick pulp by pressing through a sieve.
Simmer the pulp with jaggery until dissolved and slightly thickened.
Stir in cumin, chilli powder and black salt, cool completely and store in a clean jar.