What is Chutney?
Simply stated, chutney is an East Indian (Hindi) word for condiment and is actually an age old requisite of Indian meals that has long held a position of importance in the food in nearly every sector of the Indian subcontinent.
Chutney’s origins are in the word chaat-na, “to lick”. So, notes cookbook author Camelia Panjabi (50 Great Curries of India), chutney is something that is “finger-licking good”. The zesty tang, or slightly sour taste, of many chutneys not only appeals to Indian tastes but also reflects traditions that suggest that eating something sour at each meal is good for one’s health. In American culture, Webster defines chutney as "a spicy relish made of fruits, spices and herbs" and further defines "relish" as something served with meat "to make it more appetizing".
Most certainly, chutney is a healthy choice for today’s fat- and calorie-conscious consumers. Representing the flavors of Indian cuisine, Rohini’s chutneys are low-fat (aubergine/eggplant) or fat free (all of the rest), low in sodium and calories, and made with nutritious fresh vegetables or fruits and the finest spices and herbs. Chutneys are preserved by acidity, not sugar, an important difference between chutneys and condiments like jams/jellies. Thus, sugar is not an essential ingredient, and some of Rohini’s chutneys are sweetened with fruits or fruit sugar (fructose), not table sugar (sucrose), making them suitable for consumption by diabetics permitted to eat fruits. Options with “no added sugars” are also available. Similarly, to cater to individuals with Celiac’s disease who avoid “distilled vinegar”, some chutneys are formulated with cider vinegar, lemon juice or tamarind juice.
By all accounts, chutney and other ethnic foods and condiments are “hot” products – whether they’re savory and mild for the timid palate or the “fire” is turned up for more adventuresome consumers. Rohini’s chutneys include varieties to please both tastes. So….
How Does One Eat Chutney?
In general, all of Rohini's Chutneys can be used in the following ways:
Dip - with crackers, chips, breads including flat breads and pita
Dipping Sauce - for finger foods and hors d’oeuvres
Spread - in sandwiches, bagels and wraps
Topping - for cheeses like cream cheese and brie
Side - with cooked meats
Cooking, Grilling, Marinating Sauce - with meats (see "Recipes / Chutneys" page for ideas)
Accompaniment - to an Indian meal
Rohini’s Chutneys – Flavors and Descriptions
Tomato:
Made with vine-ripened tomatoes, piquant spices, garlic and fine vinegar with a sweet and sour character. Goes well with eggs and meats, especially beef, lamb and venison. The medium hot tomato chutney is often described as an “Indian BBQ sauce”. Available in extra mild (suitable for diabetics; contains fructose), mild and medium hot versions.
Aubergine:
Made with fresh eggplant (aubergine), it has a savory flavor reminiscent of curries (and cumin). Contains garlic. The only flavor that contains some oil (extra virgin olive oil). Particularly good with anything "starchy" (like a baked or boiled potato, platter of fresh or grilled vegetables, cooked pasta, soy burgers, pita and hummus). Available in mild and hot versions.
Mango:
Flavor best known to Americans. Made with the full flavored ripe fruit, it tastes decidedly mango. Suitable for diabetics (sweetness of the ripe fruit plus some added fructose). Formulated with cider vinegar. Delicious with fish and seafood, in chicken salad, and as a fruity garnish for baked pizzas. Available in extra mild and hot versions.
Cilantro (aka Coriander):
Like a tangy Indian salsa with a taste of ginger and lemon juice. Delicious as a dip with chips and as a cooking sauce added to omelettes, beans, vegetables, soups, meats. Suitable for diabetics. Available in mild and hot versions.
Cranberry:
Rohini’s Indian-American chutney, sweetened primarily with raisins and apple juice and suitable for diabetics. Contains cider vinegar and some fructose. Especially good with brie and a favorite with chicken, turkey and pork. Available in extra mild and medium hot versions.
Hot Pepper:
A delicious “minty” hot sauce - tastefully hot, but not killer hot. Flavored with a blend of jalapeno, serrano and a dash of habanero peppers. Has no added sugars. Suitable for diabetics. Add, as desired, for a nice minty kick to any food (nice topping for a pizza). Available only in hot version.
Tamarind Date:
A new taste treat with a uniquely Indian (Gujerati) flavor. Sweetness from dates (no added sugars), tanginess from tamarind (no added vinegar) and mildly spicy. Suitable for diabetics. Excellent for dipping and grilling. Available only in mild version.
More Ingredient Details?
Anyone needing a detailed ingredient listing of one or more chutneys should contact Rohini via the "Contact Us" page.
