Pudina (Mint) Chutney

Pudina (Mint) Chutney

"Pudina Chutney", as it is called in India, is a green chutney that is very cooling in the summer and usually eaten with samosas and other fried snacks. There are lots of different ways to whip up this dish, and the first one below is typically "Bangalore"-ian.

Ingredients:
Version 1:
1 bunch coriander leaves
1 bunch mint leaves
1 green chili
1 oz seedless tamarind
1 tsp salt
4 Tblsp water
1 medium onion

Version 2:
1 bunch mint leaves, washed and chopped
1 small onion, chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 small piece ginger, sliced
4-5 green chillies, chopped
1 tsp coconut, shredded (optional)
2-3 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp cumin seeds or powder
1 tsp urad dal
1 tsp channa dal
Salt to taste

Directions:
Version 1:
1. Wash and soak tamarind in water for 1/2 hour. Clean, pick and wash the coriander and mint.
2. Separate pulp from the tamarind and squeeze out the pulp. Grind coriander, mint, green chili and onion into a fine paste. Add the tamarind pulp and salt.
3. Blend well.
4. In an airtight jar this can be refrigerated for up to one week.
Version 2:
1. Fry all these in a little oil, one by one.
2. Blend to a smooth paste using a little water.