Amer Chatni

Amer Chatni typically refers to a tangy and sweet mango chutney popular in Bengali cuisine. This chutney is made with raw mangoes and is a delightful accompaniment to various Indian dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw mango, peeled and grated
• 1 cup sugar (adjust according to taste and the tartness of the mango)
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji)
• 2-3 dried red chillies
• 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Raw Mango:

   • Peel the raw mango and grate it to get the pulp. Discard the seed.

2. Cook Mango Pulp:

   • In a pan, add the grated raw mango and sugar. Cook on medium heat until the mango pulp softens and the sugar dissolves. Stir occasionally.

3. Tempering (Tadka):

   • In a separate small pan, heat a little oil. Add mustard seeds, nigella seeds, dried red chilies, and asafoetida (hing). Let them splutter.

4. Combine:

   • Add the tempering to the cooked mango pulp and sugar mixture. Stir well.

5. Simmer:

   • Simmer the chutney on low heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

6. Add Roasted Cumin Powder:

   • Add roasted cumin powder to the chutney. Adjust the salt and sugar according to your taste.

7. Cool and Store:

   • Allow the chutney to cool. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean, dry jar for storage.

8. Serve:

   • Amer Chatni is ready to be served. Enjoy it as a side with snacks, samosas, pakoras, or as an accompaniment to your meals.

Tips:

• For a smoother chutney, you can blend it with an immersion blender after cooking.
• If you don't have jaggery, you can substitute it with brown sugar or honey.
• You can also add other ingredients to the chutney, like chopped onions, garlic, or green chilies.
• Amer Chatni can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

This Amer Chatni recipe provides a balance of sweetness and tanginess from the raw mangoes, and the tempering adds a burst of flavor. Adjust the sugar levels based on your preference for sweetness.