Imli Chutney w/o Dates (Tamarind Chutney)

Learn how to make sweet and tangy Imli Chutney – an essential condiment for chaat and Pakistani / Indian snacks. This is a quick and easy version made with just 5 ingredients – imli / tamarind pulp, sugar and spices. There are no dates (khajoor) or jaggery (gurr) used in this recipe. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, with a hint of spice.

Imli Chutney (also known as Tamarind Chutney) is one of my favourite Pakistani condiments. It’s often called meethi chutney as well, with meethi meaning sugar. There’s always a jar of it in the fridge. In fact, I make a big batch every Ramadan, giving out bottles to friends as well. It’s an essential ingredient in chaat, be it chana chaat (chickpea chaat) or dahi baray to provide a burst of sweet tanginess. It’s a versatile dip to have on the side with keema samosa and pakoras.

Why this recipe works

• Balance of Flavours: It’s got the perfect balance of flavours. There’s sweetness from the sugar, tanginess from the tamarind, with a hint of spice to bring it all together.
• Versatility: This chutney works with all dishes. Whether it’s street food such as aloo chana chaat, snacks such as chicken pakora and paneer samosas, or BBQ such as chicken malai boti.
• Make-Ahead Preparation: This chutney can be made in bulk, and kept in the refrigerator for weeks, or in the freezer for months. It’s also a great gift for friends and family for Ramadan.
• Uses 5 ingredients only: This recipe is made using 5 ingredients only. No dates or gurr (jaggery) required for this recipe. The only ingredient that is uncommon is the tamarind pulp, which is easily available at Indian, Pakistani or Asian stores or in the international aisle of large supermarkets.  

Ingredients

This recipe uses just 5 ingredients! The last 2 ingredients are optional, and can be skipped if you don’t want to add them.

• Tamarind Pulp – The main ingredient in this recipe is tamarind pulp / imli pulp. This is available in big, dark amber-coloured blocks in Pakistani / Indian stores, as well as Asian stores along with the international aisle of major supermarkets. The pulp is made from the fleshy membrane that surrounds the tamarind seed pod, which gets compacted into a brick form. It is available both seedless, and with seeds. Seedless is easier to use, as it requires less straining.
• Sugar – regular castor sugar. You can always add more or less, depending on whether you prefer a sweeter or tangier chutney. Can be substituted with brown sugar as well.
• Red Chilli Powder – added for a little heat.
• Salt – any type of salt can be used.
• Roasted & Ground Cumin Seeds (Bhuna Zeera) – this is added for it’s savoury earthy flavour, and to balance out the sweetness. I always have a jar of this in my pantry because of how often I use it. To make your own, follow my recipe for bhuna zeera here.
• Vinegar – this is an optional ingredient, but I always add it as it acts as a natural preservative and increases the shelf life. You may need to add a teaspoon or two of sugar to balance out the vinegar.
• Ginger powder – also known as saunth, this is also added for it’s earthy gingery flavour. Can be skipped if not available.

Method

Making Imli Chutney (Tamarind Chutney) is very easy. Plus you can easily make a big batch, and store it in the fridge or freezer to last for a long time.

Storage Instructions

Once the imli chutney is cool, transfer to a clean moisture free airtight plastic or glass container and store in the refrigerator. If making chutney in bulk, it’s best to use multiple containers, taking one out as needed. Make sure to use a clean moisture free spoon when serving the chutney, otherwise it may spoil.

Imli chutney can be kept in the refrigerator for 2 months easily, even longer. However, make sure to add vinegar if storing for longer than 2 – 3 weeks. The vinegar acts as a preservative to improve shelf life.

It can also be frozen – again best to store in smaller containers, and take out one container as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Imli chutney is usually served as a condiment with Pakistani / Indian snacks such as aloo kebabs, samosas and pakoras. It is also an essential ingredient in all types of chaat, be it chana chaat, dahi baray chaat, or samosa chaat. It’s also a delicious condiment next to dry BBQ items such as chicken tikka, malai boti, or beef boti.

FAQs

Recipes to enjoy with Imli Chutney

📖 Recipe