Dried coconut powder is lightly roasted, then pulse-blended with fresh garlic, crushed roasted peanuts, red chilli powder and a few spices. Voila... the delicious, bright orange-red spicy condiment is ready!
electric food processor or chopper (or mortar and pestle)
mortar and pestle - if food processor is not available - to blend the chutney ingredients
nut-grater - if food processor is not available - to crush the roasted peanuts
Manual shredder/grater - to shred/grate coconut finely, if dried coconut powder is not available
Ingredients
2/3cupdried coconut powderloosely packed; if not available, can use manually grated dried coconut - see Recipe Notes for details. Note: this is NOT the same as coconut flour!
2tspfresh garlic 3-4 medium cloves: peeled and finely chopped/grated
2tbsproasted peanuts - crushed unsalted - if using salted peanuts, decrease the amount of salt added; if food processor is not available, use a nut-grater to crush the peanuts
1 1/2tspred chilli powderadjust per taste preference for spiciness
1tsppaprika (optional) for good color; can also use Byadgi chili powder or Kashmiri Mirchi powder, instead of paprika, for a brilliant orange-red color, without making the chutney too spicy.
1tspcumin powder freshly ground preferred
1/4tspamchur powderif not available, can use a pinch of citric acid or cream of tartar (less than 1/8 tsp); can also use sour grape powder instead of amchur (available in mid-Eastern stores)
1/4tspsalt adjust per taste preference; use less if using salted peanuts
1/4tspsugar
Instructions
Lightly dry-roast the coconut powder on low-medium heat, stirring constantly, for a few minutes, until it begins to brown very slightly. Do NOT overbrown. Set asid to cool to room temperature.
Meanwhile, peel and chop/grate the garlic.
Add all the remaining ingredients into a mixing bowl; add the prepared garlic and the cooled coconut powder and mix well. Transfer to a food processor or chopper.
Pulse together for a few seconds at a time until ingredients are well blended but not oily and sticky. If food processor is not available, pound the mixture in a mortar and pestle in small batches: see Recipe Notes for detailed instructions.
Mortar and pestle option
Serve as a condiment with Batata Vada, Jowar/Bajra Bhakri, hot rice..... etc.
Enjoy!
Notes
Coconut powder: Grated dried coconut- a white, slightly coarse powder. It is available as longish thin shreds as well - it is OK to use that too, but may need to "pulse" the chutney mixture a bit longer to break down the long shreds. Unsweetened dried coconut flakes may be used too: I recommend grinding the toasted coconut flakes to a coarse powder after cooling to room temperature - use pulse action to prevent excessive oozing of oil which can hinder even grinding, before you add the rest of the ingredients. Measure after grinding.If none of these are available, do it the old-fashioned way: use a manual shredder to grate a chunk of dried coconut to a finely shredded texture. Do NOT grate it coarsely: it will be difficult to get the right texture for the chutney later. Measure after grating- fluffy, loosely packed. This chutney will be a bit more oily than the one made with commercially available coconut powder.Please note: coconut powder is NOT the same as coconut flour! Coconut flour is not suitable in this recipe.Using the mortar and pestle:If you do not have an electric food processor or chopper, you can use a mortar and pestle to blend the chutney ingredients together. Divide the mixture into 2-3 tbsp portions (or less, if you have a small mortar and pestle). Even if you have a bigger one that can "hold" more quantity, do not add more than 3 tbsp at a time. Transfer one portion into the mortar and pound with the pestle a few times, scraping with a small spoon, to allow flavors to blend. Transfer to a mixing bowl and repeat with each of the remaining portions of mixture. Stir the combined "pounded" portions to mix evenly. The pounded mixture might be a bit oily and sticky. Separate and fluff it out a bit with a spoon/fork before serving/storing.To store the prepared chutney:Store in a small glass jar with a well-fitting lid. It does not need to be refrigerated if consumed within 8-10 days. for longer storage, place in the refrigerator or freezer (for up to 3 months)