Malabar Spinach Chutney (Basale Chutney)
Malabar spinach chutney is made using Basella alba, also known as 'basale soppu' in Kannada. This condiment is highly popular in the coastal regions of Karnataka. It can be served alongside South Indian breakfast dishes as well as rice-based meals, or used as a condiment or marinade.
Servings: 8 to 10 tablespoons
Calories: 55kcal
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Malabar spinach
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 small onion roughly chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic roughy chopped
- 1-2 green chilli
- 1 teaspoon jaggery
- 1 tablespoon tamarind
- ¼ teaspoon salt adjust as per taste
For tempering/tadka:
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 dried red chilli
- 1 teaspoon urad dal
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- ½ teaspoon asafoetida hing
Instructions
- Wash the Malabar spinach leaves and roughly chop them.
- In a frying pan or kadhai, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
- Add onion, garlic, and green chili. Saute until the onion is translucent (3-4 minutes).
- Add the chopped Malabar spinach leaves, jaggery, tamarind, and salt.
- Mix well, cover, and simmer for 5-6 minutes (until the greens cook well).
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down completely.
- Grind it into a smooth paste and transfer it to a serving bowl.
- Meanwhile, prepare the tempering. Heat 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and add mustard seeds. Once it splutters, add urad dal, dried red chilli, hing, and curry leaves. Mix well and turn off the heat
- Add this tempering to the ground chutney.
- Mix well and serve.
Notes
A good amount of tamarind goes into making this chutney. I highly recommend not to skip it.
You can adjust the amount of green chili as per your taste.
This chutney can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 93mg | Potassium: 159mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2014IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 0.4mg