Zesty African Mint Chutney
Unleash the vibrant flavors of Africa with this Zesty African Mint Chutney, a delightful blend of peanuts, fresh mint, and aromatic spices. Perfect as a condiment for grilled meats, a tangy dip for vegetables, or as a zesty accompaniment to your favorite flatbreads, this chutney offers a burst of flavor in every bite. Its creamy texture, enhanced by optional yogurt, balances the spice of garlic and chili, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Easy to prepare and store, this chutney will be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
raw peanuts
1/2 cup (skins on, roasted)
garlic cloves
3 (chopped)
chili
1 (chopped)
fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup (washed and loosely packed)
coriander seeds
2 teaspoons (whole)
vinegar
1 tablespoon (white or apple cider vinegar)
fresh lime juice
2-4 tablespoons (to taste)
plain yogurt
1 cup (optional, stirred in)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Spread the raw peanuts evenly on a baking sheet. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the skins are toasted and begin to crack.
3
Once roasted, remove the peanuts from the oven and wrap them in a clean kitchen towel. Rub the peanuts in the towel to loosen and remove their skins. Discard the skins and allow the peanuts to cool completely.
4
In a mortar and pestle or small food processor, combine the garlic and chili, and grind them together to form a coarse paste.
5
In a food processor, add the garlic and chili paste, roasted peanuts, fresh mint leaves, coriander seeds, and vinegar. Blend until the mixture is coarsely combined but still retains some texture.
6
Gradually add fresh lime juice to the chutney, blending until you achieve your desired flavor balance.
7
If using yogurt, gently stir it into the chutney by hand until well incorporated.
8
Season the chutney generously with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
9
Transfer the chutney to a covered bowl and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty African Mint Chutney?
It is a vibrant condiment blending roasted peanuts, fresh mint, and aromatic spices, commonly used in African-inspired cuisine.
What are the primary ingredients in this chutney?
The main ingredients include raw peanuts, garlic, chili, fresh mint leaves, coriander seeds, vinegar, lime juice, and optional plain yogurt.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Zesty African Mint Chutney is entirely vegetarian.
How should I roast the peanuts for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and roast the raw peanuts on a baking sheet for about 15 minutes until the skins begin to crack.
How do I remove the skins from the roasted peanuts?
Wrap the warm roasted peanuts in a clean kitchen towel and rub them together to loosen and remove the skins.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is recommended to blend the peanuts, mint, garlic, and spices into a coarse paste.
What type of vinegar works best?
You can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for this recipe.
Is the yogurt mandatory?
No, the plain yogurt is optional; it is used to add creaminess and balance the spice if desired.
How much lime juice should I add?
The recipe suggests 2 to 4 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, depending on your preferred level of tanginess.
What is the best way to serve this chutney?
It serves as an excellent condiment for grilled meats, a dip for vegetables, or a spread for flatbreads.
Should the chutney be smooth or chunky?
The mixture should be blended until coarsely combined, so it still retains some texture from the peanuts.
How do I store the finished chutney?
Transfer the chutney to a covered bowl and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Can I use a mortar and pestle?
Yes, a mortar and pestle is ideal for grinding the garlic and chili into a coarse paste before blending.
What kind of mint should I use?
Fresh mint leaves that have been washed and loosely packed are best for the most vibrant flavor.
Does this recipe use whole or ground coriander?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of whole coriander seeds.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 chopped garlic cloves.
Is the chutney spicy?
It has a zesty kick from the fresh chili and garlic, which can be balanced by adding the optional yogurt.
Can I use pre-roasted peanuts?
While the recipe calls for roasting raw peanuts for the best flavor, you can use pre-roasted unsalted peanuts to save time.
Should I add the yogurt in the food processor?
No, it is recommended to gently stir the yogurt into the chutney by hand after blending the other ingredients.
How do I season the chutney?
Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper according to your personal taste preferences.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, simply omit the optional yogurt or replace it with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
What temperature should the peanuts be before blending?
Allow the peanuts to cool completely after roasting and de-skinning before adding them to the food processor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total, including the seasonings and optional yogurt.
Can I use lemon juice instead of lime?
Yes, lemon juice can be substituted if lime juice is unavailable, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
What is the prep time for roasting peanuts?
Roasting takes approximately 15 minutes in a 350°F oven.
Is this chutney gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What if I don't have fresh mint?
Fresh mint is essential for the specific flavor of this chutney; dried mint is not a recommended substitute.
Does the recipe require oil?
No, the natural oils from the peanuts provide the necessary fats for the texture.
Can I add more chili?
Yes, you can adjust the number of chilies to suit your heat preference.
What is the texture of the garlic and chili paste?
The garlic and chili should be ground together to form a coarse, flavorful paste.