Best Bengali Style Tomato Chutney Recipes

TOMATO KHEJUR CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons mustard oil in a heavy kadai or pan. Keep the flame to a low and let the mustard oil begin to smoke.
• Then add 1 teaspoon panch phoron. If you do not have panch phoran then add a mix of ¼ teaspoon fennel seeds, ¼ teaspoon of nigella seeds, ¼ teaspoon of cumin seeds, ¼ teaspoon mustard seeds or radhuni seeds and ⅛ or ¼ teaspoon of fenugreek seeds.
• Immediately add 2 dry red chilies (seeds removed).
• Fry for some seconds till the spices crackle and become aromatic.
• Then add 1 teaspoon grated ginger.
• Saute for some seconds till the raw aroma of ginger goes away. Don't brown the ginger.
• Add 1.75 cups chopped tomatoes.
• Mix tomatoes with the rest of the spices and oil.
• Add salt as per taste and mix again.
• Cover the kadai or pan with a lid. Let the tomatoes cook till they soften. Cooking tomatoes takes about 9 to 10 minutes on a low to medium-low flame.
• In between do check a couple of times when the tomatoes are cooking.
• Let the tomatoes soften and becomes mushy.
• Now add 1 tablespoon raisins and 2 tablespoon chopped dates or 4 dates, chopped.
• Mix very well.
• Add 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon dry mango powder (optional). 2 tablespoons sugar gives a more sweet taste. For less sweetness add 1 tablespoon sugar or you can skip sugar completely.
• Mix again. The sugar will melt and you will see a liquid consistency in the tomato chutney.
• After adding sugar, stir often and mash tomatoes with spoon or spatula. Cook till the tomato chutney thickens for about 4 to 5 minutes. If the tomatoes start sticking to the pan, then add some water and cook. I did not add any water.
• Once done switch off the flame. Serve tomato khejur chutney warm or at room temperature with a bengali meal. Leftovers can be kept in a small airtight bottle or bowl and refrigerated. Stays well for 4 to 5 days in the fridge.

SWEET AND SPICY TOMATO CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Slice the tomatoes length wise into thin wedges.
• Place a heavy bottom at medium heat and pour the oil. Once the oil heats up, scatter the mustard seeds and dry red chili. Let the spice sizzle up for a few seconds and then, drop the tomato slices.
• Sprinkle salt and sugar. Give it a stir. Cover the pan and let it cook for 5 minutes or until the tomatoes are softened and almost cooked through.
• Pour 1 cup water season with salt and cook for 3 minutes. Drop the green chili and fennel powder, mix it around and taste for salt. Add more, if needed. Also, if you prefer the chutney to be sweeter, add more sugar.
• Let it simmer for 3 more minutes.
• Sprinkle a bit more fennel powder on top while serving.
• Enjoy it warm with rice or papadum

BENGALI STYLE TOMATO CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Heat oil in a pan. Add dried red chilies and panch phoran. Saute for a few seconds or until the spices become fragrant.
• Add turmeric powder and red chili powder. Saute for a few seconds.
• Add ginger and stir for around 30 seconds before adding tomatoes and salt.
• Mix everything and cover the pan. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes or until the tomatoes turn soft.
• Add chopped dates, raisins, and sugar. Mix and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
• Switch off the stove and allow the chutney to reach room temperature.
• Enjoy your Bengali style tomato chutney.