🍅 Tomato Chutney (Restaurant Style) Recipe – Tangy, Spicy & Authentic

If you love Indian condiments, you can’t skip Tomato Chutney — a tangy, spicy, and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements idli, dosa, vada, paratha, pakora, and even snacks like samosa or paniyaram.

This restaurant-style tomato chutney recipe uses fresh tomatoes, aromatic spices, and a touch of tempering for that irresistible South Indian flavor. It’s not just tasty but also versatile — you can serve it warm or chilled, and it works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Whether you’re looking for a South Indian tomato chutney, spicy tomato chutney, or an easy tomato chutney recipe, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

🛒 Ingredients for Tomato Chutney

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

🍅 Main Ingredients

• Ripe tomatoes – 4 large, chopped

• Onion – 1 medium, chopped (optional, for tomato onion chutney)

• Garlic cloves – 3–4

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

• Curry leaves – 8–10

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

• Oil – 2 tbsp

• Salt – to taste

🌶️ Tempering Ingredients

• Mustard seeds – ½ tsp

• Urad dal (split black gram) – ½ tsp

• Curry leaves – 6–8

• Hing (asafoetida) – a pinch

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Restaurant Style Tomato Chutney

Step 1 – Sauté the Base

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add dry red chilies and garlic, sauté for 30 seconds.

3. Add chopped onions (if using) and fry until translucent.

4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 5–6 minutes until soft.

Step 2 – Add Tamarind & Seasoning

1. Add tamarind and salt.

2. Cook until the tomatoes break down completely.

3. Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3 – Grind to a Smooth Paste

1. Transfer the mixture to a blender.

2. Grind into a smooth chutney without adding much water.

3. Adjust salt if needed.

Step 4 – Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a small pan.

2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

3. Add urad dal and fry until golden brown.

4. Add curry leaves and a pinch of hing.

5. Pour this tempering over the chutney.

Step 5 – Serve & Enjoy

Serve immediately with idli, dosa, uttapam, paratha, or as a side with rice and curry.

🍽️ Best Occasions to Serve Tomato Chutney

• Breakfast – Pairs perfectly with South Indian staples like idli, dosa, upma.

• Lunch/Dinner – Great as a side for chapati, rice, or paratha.

• Snacks – Works well with pakoras, samosas, and cutlets.

• Festivals & Gatherings – A tangy dip for party starters and finger foods.

🍛 Serving Suggestions

• With Crispy Dosa – A South Indian breakfast classic.

• With Fluffy Idlis – Soft idlis and tangy chutney are a perfect combo.

• With Hot Chapatis – A unique twist for a light dinner.

• With Steamed Rice & Ghee – Comfort food at its finest.

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)

💡 Tip: Use less oil for a lighter version, or add roasted peanuts for extra protein.

🌟 Tips for the Best Tomato Chutney

• Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for natural sweetness.

• For a spicy tomato chutney, increase the number of dry red chilies.

• Add a teaspoon of jaggery for a sweet-sour balance.

• Roast tomatoes before grinding for a smoky flavor.

• Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

❓ FAQs – Tomato Chutney Recipe

Q. Can I make this without onion and garlic?
Yes, skip both for a pure satvik or no-onion-no-garlic version.

Q. How do I store restaurant-style tomato chutney?
Refrigerate in a sealed container for 2–3 days, or freeze for up to 2 weeks.

Q. Can I serve this with North Indian dishes?
Absolutely! It works well with parathas, samosas, and snacks.

📝 Interesting Facts

This restaurant-style tomato chutney is quick, tangy, and versatile, making it a must-have in your kitchen. From South Indian breakfasts like idli and dosa to North Indian snacks like samosas, it adds a burst of flavor to any meal.

Whether you want a spicy tomato chutney, tomato onion chutney, or a homemade Indian chutney, this recipe is a foolproof way to bring restaurant-style taste to your table in just 25 minutes.