A variety of chutneys are often served as part of a South Indian meal.
A chutney is the name given to a pasty sauce or relish that originates from Indian cuisine. Chutneys are served as accompaniments to main or side dishes, and can also be used as a dipping sauce. The variety of chutney depends on the type of food it is accompanying and the area in India where it comes from. South Indian chutneys tend to be spicier and less oil based than the chutneys of North Indian cuisine.
Spicy
Spicy chutneys are the most common type of chutney there is in South Indian food. Spicy chutneys are made from a variety of hot peppers, which are then mixed together with oils, vinegars or fruits to temper the heat. Spicy chutneys can range from mild to extremely spicy, and are often used as additives to curries, or as a small side accompaniment.
Sweet
Sweet chutneys are often fruit based, and are used as a dipping sauce for a variety of foods. Sweet chutneys can also be the basis for certain types of saut s in South Indian food. Sweet chutneys can be spicy or mild, and sometimes combine sweet and sour flavors. Tamarind is a common ingredient in sweet chutneys.
Pickles
Pickles are a chunky, less saucelike, and less pasty version of a savory chutney. Pickles are often salty and spicy, with the degree of heat varying depending on personal or manufacturers preference. Pickles can be made from a variety of fruits, often unripe fruits such as green mangoes or even pieces of shredded young coconut.
Herbs
Herb-based chutneys tend to be the mildest of chutneys, and can sometimes be mixed with a yogurt base to proved a savory chutney that is also refreshing. Herb chutneys are used to provide a fresh taste to foods, as well as act as a cooling agent for more spicier foods.
Tags: South Indian, , Sweet chutneys, chutneys often, , dipping sauce