Sri Lanka Date Chutney

Sri Lanka Date Chutney Recipe - A Flavorful Condiment with Dates, Mustard Seeds, and Spices

Region / culture: Sri Lanka | Servings: 6

Introduction

Sri Lanka Date Chutney is a delicious and flavorful condiment that is perfect for adding a sweet and tangy kick to your favorite dishes. Made with dates, spices, and vinegar, this chutney is a popular accompaniment to many Sri Lankan dishes.

History

Date chutney has been a staple in Sri Lankan cuisine for centuries. Dates were introduced to Sri Lanka by Arab traders, and over time, they became a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes. Date chutney is often served alongside rice and curry dishes, adding a touch of sweetness and spice to the meal.

Ingredients

1000 g dates
3 garlic cloves
2 slices ginger
1 tsp mustard seeds
2 cardamom pods
2 cloves
100 g sugar
250 ml vinegar
0.5 tsp chile powder
2 cm cinnamon stick
25 g sultanas
0.5 tsp salt

How to prepare

Remove the pits from the dates and finely chop the flesh. Grind the garlic, ginger, and mustard seeds together. Crush the cardamoms and cloves. In a pan, combine the sugar and vinegar and heat gently until the sugar dissolves. Add the chopped dates, chili powder, garlic, mustard, ginger, cardamoms, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Cook over low heat until the liquid thickens but the dates remain intact. Stir in the sultanas and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick, season with salt, and let it cool.

Variations

Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and spicy flavor.
Stir in a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or cashews, for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop the dates to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preferences. You can add more for a spicier chutney or less for a milder flavor.

- Store the chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious date chutney alongside your favorite Sri Lankan dishes, such as rice and curry, roti, or hoppers.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the chutney over low heat to prevent burning and ensure the flavors meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute brown sugar for white sugar for a richer flavor.

- Use raisins instead of sultanas if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

This chutney can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the date chutney in a small bowl alongside your main dish for a colorful and flavorful addition to your meal.

Pairing Recommendations

This chutney pairs well with spicy curries, grilled meats, and rice dishes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently in a saucepan before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Calories per serving: 150

Carbohydrates

- Dates: 1000g

- Sugar: 100g

- Sultanas: 25g

- Total Carbohydrates: 125g

Fats

- There is no fat in this recipe.

Proteins

- There is no protein in this recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

Dates are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, potassium, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens.

Summary

This date chutney is a low-fat, low-protein condiment that is high in carbohydrates and vitamins.

Summary

Sri Lanka Date Chutney is a delicious and versatile condiment that adds a sweet and tangy flavor to your favorite dishes. Made with dates, spices, and vinegar, this chutney is a must-try for anyone looking to add a taste of Sri Lanka to their meals.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Sri Lanka Date Chutney. It was given to me by a kind elderly woman I met while traveling through Sri Lanka many years ago. She invited me into her home and showed me how to make this delicious chutney that has since become a staple in my kitchen.

As she guided me through the process of making the chutney, she shared with me the story of how she learned to make it herself. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, and that each woman added her own unique twist to it. I was fascinated by the history and tradition behind this simple yet flavorful dish.

The key ingredients in the chutney were dates, tamarind, jaggery, and a blend of spices that included cinnamon, cloves, and peppercorns. The combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors created a perfect balance that was both comforting and satisfying. The woman explained to me that the chutney was typically served with rice and curry, and that it was also a popular condiment for roti and dosa.

I was amazed by how easy it was to make the chutney, yet how complex and rich the flavors were. The sweetness of the dates paired perfectly with the tangy tamarind and the warmth of the spices. I knew right away that I had to bring this recipe back home with me and share it with my family.

When I returned from my trip to Sri Lanka, I wasted no time in trying out the recipe for myself. I gathered all the ingredients and got to work, following the steps that the woman had taught me. As I stirred the pot and watched the chutney slowly come together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the time I had spent in that small kitchen in Sri Lanka.

When the chutney was finally ready, I took a taste and was instantly transported back to that moment. The flavors were just as I remembered them - sweet, sour, and spicy all at once. I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe to add to my collection.

Over the years, I have made the Sri Lanka Date Chutney countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my own taste. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with its unique flavor profile. It has become a dish that I am known for, and one that always brings back fond memories of my time in Sri Lanka.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover this wonderful recipe, I am grateful for the experiences and people that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others and create lasting memories, and the Sri Lanka Date Chutney is a perfect example of that.

I will always cherish the time I spent in Sri Lanka, learning from that kind woman and discovering the beauty of her family recipe. And I will continue to make this chutney for years to come, passing it down to future generations so that they too can experience the wonder and joy that it brings.