🥕 Carrot Chutney Recipe – South Indian Style & Healthy Side Dish

Carrot Chutney is a delicious, colorful, and healthy Indian condiment made with fresh carrots, spices, and sometimes coconut or tomatoes for extra flavor. This South Indian style carrot chutney is perfect for idli, dosa, rice, and chapati, and it’s a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your diet.

The natural sweetness of carrots blends beautifully with tangy tamarind, spicy red chilies, and earthy roasted lentils, making it a balanced chutney that is both tasty and nutritious.

🛒 Ingredients for Carrot Chutney

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 18–20 minutes

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🌿 Main Ingredients

• Fresh carrots – 2 cups (peeled & grated)

• Dry red chilies – 3–4 (adjust to spice preference)

• Tamarind – 1 tsp (or small marble-sized piece)

• Urad dal (split black gram) – 1 tbsp

• Chana dal (split Bengal gram) – 1 tbsp

• Fresh grated coconut – 2 tbsp (optional)

• Garlic cloves – 2 (optional, skip for no onion-garlic version)

• Salt – to taste

• Oil – 1 tbsp

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🌱 For Tempering (Tadka)

• Mustard seeds – ½ tsp

• Curry leaves – 6–8

• Hing (asafoetida) – a pinch

• Oil – 1 tsp

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Carrot Chutney

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Step 1 – Prep the Carrots

1. Wash, peel, and grate the carrots. Keep aside.

2. If using tamarind pulp instead of fresh tamarind, soak in warm water for 5 minutes.

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Step 2 – Roast the Spices & Lentils

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan.

2. Add urad dal and chana dal — roast until golden brown.

3. Add dry red chilies and sauté for 30 seconds.

4. Add garlic cloves (if using) and sauté briefly.

5. Transfer to a plate and let them cool.

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Step 3 – Sauté the Carrots

1. In the same pan, add the grated carrots.

2. Sauté on medium heat for 3–4 minutes until slightly soft but still vibrant in color.

3. Add tamarind and coconut (if using), mix well, and turn off the heat.

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Step 4 – Blend the Chutney

1. In a blender, add roasted lentils, chilies, sautéed carrots, salt, and a little water.

2. Blend to a smooth or slightly coarse chutney (depending on preference).

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Step 5 – Temper the Chutney

1. Heat 1 tsp oil in a small pan.

2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

3. Add curry leaves and hing.

4. Pour this tempering over the chutney and mix well.

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🍽️ Best Occasions to Serve Carrot Chutney

• Breakfast – Serve with idli, dosa, uttapam, or pesarattu.

• Lunch & Dinner – Pairs with steamed rice and ghee, chapati, or parathas.

• Snack Time – Works as a healthy dip for pakoras, cutlets, or sandwiches.

• Festivals & Fasts – Can be made without onion and garlic for vrat-friendly meals.

• Healthy Lunchboxes – Great for kids to enjoy with roti or dosa.

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🍛 Serving Suggestions

• Carrot Chutney for Idli & Dosa – A colorful alternative to coconut chutney.

• Carrot Chutney for Rice – Mix with hot steamed rice and ghee for a quick meal.

• Carrot Chutney for Sandwiches – Use as a healthy spread with fresh veggies.

• Carrot Chutney for Snacks – Perfect dip for vegetable cutlets or pakoras.

• Carrot Chutney with Tomato – Add tomatoes while sautéing for a tangy variation.

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🧮 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving – 2 tbsp)

💡 Tip: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, making this chutney an excellent immunity-boosting dish.

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🌟 Tips for the Best Carrot Chutney

• Use fresh, sweet carrots for the best flavor.

• Don’t overcook the carrots — slight crunch gives better taste.

• Adjust tamarind based on how tangy you want it.

• For a spicy carrot chutney, add more dry red chilies or a green chili while grinding.

• Adding coconut makes the chutney creamier, but you can skip it for a lighter version.

 

❓ FAQs – Carrot Chutney Recipe

Q. Can I make carrot chutney without coconut?
Yes! Simply skip coconut and follow the same recipe — it still tastes amazing.

Q. How long does carrot chutney last?
It stays fresh for 2–3 days in the fridge. Store in an airtight container.

Q. Can I use carrots without grating them?
Yes, but chopping into small pieces will help them cook evenly before grinding.

Q. Is carrot chutney vegan?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan unless you add ghee for tempering.

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📝 Interesting Facts

This Carrot Chutney Recipe is a colorful, healthy, and flavorful condiment that’s perfect for dosa, idli, rice, chapati, and snacks. Packed with vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, it’s a wholesome addition to your meals.

Whether you make it South Indian style, Andhra style, with coconut, without coconut, or with tomato, this chutney will win hearts with its unique blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. It’s also quick to prepare, making it an instant chutney recipe for busy mornings or lazy evenings.