MINT COCONUT CHUTNEY

This time mint and coconut are abundantly available in local market. Fresh bunch of mint I bought to make this 'mint coconut chutney'. It is a popular great green chutney or Indian dip, very refreshing, tastes sublime!

INGREDIENTS:

FOR GRINDING:
3/4 Cup Fresh Mint Leaves (washed)
1/2 Cup Grated Coconut
5-6 Green Chillies (according to taste)
A Small Quantity of Tamarind (I used 1 tsp)
1 tbsp Bengal Gram Lentil (roasted)
1/3" Ginger
1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
1/4 tsp Cumin seeds
Salt to taste

FOR SEASONING:
1 tsp Urad Dal
3/4 tsp Mustard seeds
A pinch of Asafoetida
8 Curry Leaves
1 Whole Dry Red Chilli
1 tsp Oil

METHOD:
Saute mint leaves in a pan on medium flame for 2 minutes. Grind coconut, green chillies, gram lentil, tamarind salt and cumin seeds with little water for a minute. Now put mint leaves, ginger, turmeric and salt in it. Grind for another a minute till everything blend nicely.

Heat oil in a pan. Add asafoetida and mustard seeds. Let mustard seeds splutter. Add urad dal, red chilli and curry leaves. Saute for a minute. switch off heat now. Pour this seasoning over the blended mixture. Store it in a airtight container and refrigerate for several days. Serve with idlis, upma, uthappam, dosas or any kind of snacks; a good side dish with biryani or pulao too. Enjoy this toothsome chutney!!!