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Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe with step by step pictures. This chutney is traditional South Indian chutney made with onions and tomatoes which is usually served with Idli, dosa or kuzhi paniyaram. It is popular side dish just like coconut, tomato & onion chutney. It is delicious, flavourful, spicy and slightly tangy. Learn how to make the best side dish for idli or dosa.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (1) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (1)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-1.jpeg)
Onion Tomato Chutney
This is my go to chutney for idli or dosa, it is so easy to make and taste really yummy. I like to have it with idli, dosa or kuzhi paniyaram. I like to add little extra oil for this chutney and the oil which I prefer to use is gingelly oil because of its aroma and taste.
Table of Contents
About Onion Tomato Chutney
Chutney is one of the essential side dish for idli, dosa, kuzhi paniyaram and more South Indian breakfast menu. There are many version of chutney that are usually served with breakfast, onion chutney, tomato chutney and coconut chutney are the popular ones.
This chutney is a staple in South Indian homes, it is also known as thakkali vengaya chutney, onion tomato chutney or even kara chutney.
Most of the days I make this onion tomato chutney which is made with the combination of both. It is simple to make but taste so delicious. I like to add some dry red chillies, garlic in the chutney when roasting and grinding for added flavour and taste.
I usually make this chutney two ways. The ingredients used for making both the version of onion tomato chutney is same but the cooking method varies. I have shared both the version on this blog post.
Onion Tomato Chutney Ingredients
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (2) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-ingredients.jpeg)
Onion - I use large onions for making this chutney but you can use peeled whole shallots as well.
Tomatoes - use large ripe tomatoes that is juicy and fresh is important. The ratio for onion and tomato is 1:1 which is the correct proportion for making this chutney.
Garlic - you can use peeled garlic cloves which adds a slight garlic flavour to the chutney.
Dry Red Chillies - depending on the spice level, you can increase or reduce the dry red chillies.
Tamarind - a small amount of tamarind is added to balance the taste of the chutney.
Tempering - for tempering, I like to use gingelly oil which is Indian sesame oil along with mustard seeds, urad dal, dry red chillies, curry leaves.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (3) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (3)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-2.png)
Onion Tomato Chutney (two ways)
There are two ways you can make onion tomato chutney. I have shared both the version below, depending on the time and resources you can pick any which one.
Grinding & Cooking - You can grind the ingredients together and then cook down till it is done. This method is one of the easy way to make this chutney if you don't have much time on hand.
Cooking & Grinding - This method is more elaborate, this is great when you want to preserve the chutney longer. It is simple and easy to make and the onion tomato chutney stays good for a long time in fridge.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (4) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (4)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-3.png)
How to Make Onion Tomato Chutney (Stepwise Pictures)
Pre-Preparation
1)Peel and chop onions, tomatoes, garlic and dry red chillies. Instead of onions, you can use peeled shallots.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (5) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (5)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-5.jpeg)
Grinding onions with tomatoes
2)Take peeled roughly chopped onions in a blender
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (6) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (6)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-6.jpeg)
3)Add in peeled garlic cloves into the onions.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (7) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (7)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-7.jpeg)
4)Add in dry red chillies into the onion garlic mixture.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (8) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (8)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-8.jpeg)
5)Add in tomatoes into the onion and chilli mixture.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (9) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (9)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-9.jpeg)
6)Add a piece of tamarind into the tomato mixture and grind them.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (10) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (10)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-10.jpeg)
7)I don't add water when grinding, the water content from the onions and tomatoes is enough to make it into a puree.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (11) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (11)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-11.jpeg)
Tempering Spices
8)Heat oil in a kadai. Let the oil gets hot. Once it is heated, add in mustard seeds and allow them to pop. You can also add urad dal, dry red chillies and curry leaves in the tempering but I kept it simple.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (12) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (12)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-12.jpeg)
9)Once the seeds has splattered. Add in the ground chutney mixture.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (13) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (13)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-13.jpeg)
10)Season with salt and mix well. Allow the chutney to cook completely for 3 to 4 minutes.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (14) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (14)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-14.jpeg)
11)Chutney is ready and cooked.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (15) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (15)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-15.jpeg)
12)Serve onion tomato chutney with idli, dosa or paniyaram.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (16) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (16)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-16.jpeg)
Variations
This version of onion tomato chutney uses the same ingredients but has addition of green chillies instead of dry red chillies. I added some coriander leaves for a fresh refreshing taste to the chutney.
The tempering for this chutney is so flavourful with lots of whole spices and curry leaves. This chutney starts by sauteing all the ingredients and then grinding to a puree which gets tempering in the end for the punch of flavour.
Ingredients Used
- Oil - 1 tsp
- Onion - 1 large sliced
- Tomatoes - 1 large sliced
- Green Chillies - 2 to 3 slit
- Garlic - 6 cloves
- Coriander Leaves - 2 tbsp chopped
- Salt to taste
For Tempering
- Oil - 1 tsp
- Mustard Seeds / Kaduku - ½ tsp
- Urad dal / Ulundu Paruppu - ½ tsp
- Cumin Seeds / Jeerakam - ½ tsp
- Chana Dal / Kadalai Paruppu - ½ tsp
- Curry Leaves a sprig
- Asafoetida / Hing / Kaya Podi - a pinch
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (17) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (17)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-17.jpeg)
How to Make Onion Tomato Chutney
1)Heat oil in a kadai. Add in onions, green chillies and garlic cloves. Saute for couple of minutes. Make sure you slice the onions thinly so it gets cooked faster.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (18) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (18)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-18.jpeg)
2)Also sprinkle the onions with some salt so it gets cooked faster.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (19) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (19)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-19.jpeg)
3)Now you can see the onions has turned translucent and slightly golden.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (20) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (20)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-20.jpeg)
4)Add in chopped tomatoes into the onion mixture.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (21) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (21)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-21.jpeg)
5)Saute the tomatoes till it gets soften.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (22) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (22)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-22.jpeg)
6)Even though this is optional, you can add some coriander leaves or mint leaves for flavour.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (23) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (23)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-23.jpeg)
7)Now the mixture has cooked really well.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (24) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (24)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-24.jpeg)
8)Take this in a blender and without adding any water, grind into a smooth paste.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (25) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (25)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-25.jpeg)
9)Onion tomato chutney is ground. Take the ground chutney in a bowl.
Pro Tip: I ground this chutney without any water which helps preserve the chutney for longer. If you are serving the chutney immediately, you can add some warm water when grinding and make the chutney pouring consistency.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (26) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (26)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-26.jpeg)
10)Now for tempering, heat oil in a small pan. Add in mustard, urad dal, chana dal, curry leaves, cumin seeds, asafoetida and let them splatter for a minute.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (27) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (27)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-27.jpeg)
11)Pour the tempering over the chutney and mix well.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (28) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (28)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-28.jpeg)
12)Onion tomato chutney ready to enjoy.
![Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (29) Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe (29)](https://i0.wp.com/www.yummytummyaarthi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/onion-tomato-chutney-29.jpeg)
Expert Tips
- Instead of onions, you can use peeled shallots also known as sambar onion.
- Use ripe tomatoes which are juicy and fresh. If your tomatoes are tart, you can reduce the tamarind in the chutney.
- For Tempering spices, use gingelly oil also known as Indian sesame oil for best flavour.
- Cook the chutney till all the moisture evaporates which preserves the chutney longer.
More Chutney Recipes to Try
- Green Chutney Recipe
- Peanut Chutney Recipe
- Garlic Chutney Recipe
- Coconut Chutney Recipe
- Chilli Chutney Recipe
- Onion Chutney Recipe
📖 Recipe Card
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Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe
Easy Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe with step by step pictures. This chutney is traditional South Indian chutney made with onions and tomatoes which is usually served with Idli, dosa or kuzhi paniyaram. It is popular side dish just like coconut, tomato & onion chutney. It is delicious, flavourful, spicy and slightly tangy. Learn how to make the best side dish for idli or dosa.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 86kcal
Equipment
cooking pan
Tadka Pan
Blender
Ingredients
Onion Tomato Chutney (Version 1)
- 1 large Onion peeled and sliced
- 1 large Tomato chopped
- 4 no Dry Red Chillies
- 4 cloves Garlic peeled
- 1 tsp Tamarind
- 2 tbsp Gingelly Oil
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- Salt to taste
Onion Tomato Chutney (Version 2)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 large Onion sliced
- 1 large Tomato chopped
- 3 no Green Chillies slit
- 6 cloves Garlic peeled
- 3 tbsp Coriander Leaves chopped
- Salt to taste
For Tempering
- 1 tbsp Gingelly oil
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1 tsp Split Urad dal
- ½ tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1 tsp Split Chana Dal
- 2 sprig Curry Leaves
- ¼ tsp Asafoetida
Instructions
How to Make Onion Tomato Chutney (Version 1)
Take onion, tomato, chilli, garlic, tamarind in a blender and make it into a fine puree.
Heat oil in a kadai. Add in mustard and let it sizzle. Add in the ground puree, salt and cook till oil separates. Serve with idli or dosa or kuzhi paniyaram.
How to make Onion Tomato Chutney (Version 2)
Heat oil in a kadai. Add in onions, green chillies, salt and garlic cloves. Saute for a min. Add in tomatoes and keep this cooking for 5 mins. Add in coriander leaves and saute till it gets mushy. Take this in a blender and make it into a smooth puree. Transfer this to a bowl.
Make Tempering. Heat oil and add all spices in it. Let them sizzle for a minute in the oil. Pour this over the chutney and mix well. Serve.
Notes
- Instead of onions, you can use peeled shallots also known as sambar onion.
- Use ripe tomatoes which are juicy and fresh. If your tomatoes are tart, you can reduce the tamarind in the chutney.
- For Tempering spices, use gingelly oil also known as Indian sesame oil for best flavour.
- Cook the chutney till all the moisture evaporates which preserves the chutney longer.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servings | Calories: 86kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 192mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 416IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg
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