Red Coconut and Sesame Seed Chutney

This chutney is commonly served with thosai, idli, vadai or any deep fried savory snacks. You can easily find this type of chutney when you visit any of the South Indian restaurants. This  chutney along with Green chilli coconut chutney and sambar are popular dipping for Indian breakfast type of food. It's fresh, spicy and salty with extra zing that comes from raw small red onions. By adding two tablespoons of toasted white sesame seeds infused the nutty fragrance and enhance the flavor of fresh coconut. A cup of grated coconut seems to be a lot but it is a crucial component in this recipe as it gives dept and richness. Furthermore, its a kind of dipping you could prepare in jiffy.

Red Coconut and Sesame seed Chutney

Ingredients :

Grated fresh white coconut : 1 cup
Small red onions : 8
Tamarind paste : 1/4 tsp
White sesame seeds : 2 tbsp (toasted till golden brown in a heated pan without oil)
Asofetida or hing or perungaiyam : 1/4 tsp
Mustard seeds : 1 tsp
White urad dal: 1 tsp 
Curry leaves : a sprig
Dry red chilli : 9
Salt :  as needed

Method :

1. Grind the grated coconut, 8 dry red chillies, 8 small onions, asofetida, tamarind paste, salt and toasted sesame seeds by adding little water. The consistency has to be a bit loose but not watery and good enough for dipping. Make sure you process the mixture to a smooth paste. If using chunk of asofetida, then fry it in a little oil before grinding along with coconut mixture. 

2. In a heated pan, pour 1/2 tbsp of oil, start tempering the mustard seeds until you hear the crackling sound and then followed by add urad dal. Fry the urad dal till golden brown and immediately add one dry red chilli and curry leaves.

3. Pour the fried ingredients into the ground paste. Mix well and check whether the seasonings are perfect. If it is too thick, add water.

4. Serve this chutney with thosai, idli, pakora or any fried savory snack items. 

-Abby