As the temperatures rise and the scorching sun takes centre stage, it's essential to keep ourselves cool and refreshed. And what better way to do so than by indulging in delectable chutneys that not only tantalise our taste buds but also provide a much-needed respite from the sweltering heat? Let us embark on a flavourful journey to discover the best cooling chutneys that are perfect companions for these hot summer days.
Hari Chutney
Hari chutney, also known as coriander or cilantro chutney, is a popular Indian condiment that not only adds a burst of flavour to meals but also provides remarkable cooling properties, making it a perfect accompaniment during hot summer days. The key ingredients in hari chutney contribute to its cooling effect.
Fresh coriander leaves, a dominant ingredient in the chutney, have a natural cooling effect on the body. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and minerals like potassium and calcium. These nutrients nourish the body while helping to reduce body heat and inflammation, providing relief during hot weather.
Mint leaves, another essential component, offer a refreshing and cooling sensation. The menthol content in mint provides a soothing effect and helps cool the body from within. Mint leaves are also known to aid in digestion and alleviate digestive discomfort, which can be common during the summer months.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, the green chillies present in hari chutney play a role in cooling the body. They contain capsaicin, a compound that stimulates circulation and promotes blood flow, resulting in a cooling effect. Additionally, green chillies trigger perspiration, and as sweat evaporates, it cools the body down.
Hari chutney is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes, including snacks like samosas and pakoras. It can be used as a spread, dip, or accompaniment to add a refreshing twist to meals, making it a must-have during the summer season.
Coconut Chutney
Coconut chutney, with its creamy texture and tropical flavour, is a perfect accompaniment for South Indian dishes like dosas, idlis, and vadas. Beyond its delicious taste, coconut chutney offers cooling properties that make it ideal for summer meals. The high-water content and natural electrolytes in coconut help maintain hydration and prevent dehydration during hot weather.
Coconut is also rich in potassium, which balances fluids in the body. Furthermore, the healthy fats in coconut, such as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), provide quick energy and a feeling of satiety, preventing overheating from excessive food consumption. By enjoying coconut chutney, you not only savour its flavoursome goodness but also benefit from its hydrating properties and healthy fats that keep you cool and refreshed on scorching summer days.
The other ingredients in coconut chutney contribute to its cooling properties. Green chillies stimulate sweat production, helping cool the body through evaporation. Curry leaves have a soothing effect and help reduce body heat. Tamarind lowers body temperature and provides a refreshing sensation. Mustard seeds and cumin seeds aid digestion and maintain body temperature. Garlic has a mild cooling effect and reduces inflammation. Together, these ingredients enhance the chutney's taste and offer cooling benefits, keeping you refreshed during hot weather.
It is commonly enjoyed as an accompaniment to South Indian delicacies such as dosas, idlis, vadas, and uttapams. The creamy and flavourful coconut chutney pairs well with the savoury and spiced flavours of these dishes, adding a refreshing element to the meal. Additionally, it can be served with other Indian snacks like pakoras and bhajis. The cooling and tropical taste of coconut chutney complements the richness and heat of these snacks, creating a delightful combination.
Cucumber Chutney
During the scorching summer days, cucumber chutney becomes a refreshing and cooling accompaniment. With their high-water content, cucumbers provide excellent hydration, combating dehydration and quenching your thirst. By incorporating cucumber chutney into your meals, you can enjoy its hydrating benefits and replenish your body's water levels.
Moreover, cucumbers have a cooling effect on the body due to the compound cucurbitacin, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce body heat. Consuming cucumber chutney can provide a soothing sensation, lower body temperature, and alleviate discomfort caused by excessive heat. Stay cool and rejuvenated by embracing the delightful and cooling properties of cucumber chutney during the blazing summer season.
Cucumber chutney contains ingredients like hydrating cucumbers, tangy tamarind, and potentially cooling curry leaves. While cucumbers provide hydration and a cooling effect, tamarind adds a refreshing tanginess. Curry leaves contribute to potential cooling and aid digestion. Although some ingredients, like mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and garlic, do not have direct cooling properties, the overall combination creates a flavourful and potentially cooling chutney for hot weather. Cucumber chutney can be served as a delightful accompaniment to various dishes. It pairs well with Indian meals such as rice dishes, roti, dosa, idli, and even sandwiches. It adds a refreshing and tangy flavour that complements spicy or savoury dishes.
Imli Chutney
Imli chutney, or tamarind chutney, is a versatile condiment in Indian cuisine. It offers a combination of tangy and sweet flavours and is known for enhancing dishes. Imli chutney is also considered cooling due to its soothing effect on the palate. Its tanginess provides a refreshing sensation, making it a popular choice in hot weather and with spicy meals.
The tamarind in the chutney is believed to aid digestion, thanks to its natural acids and enzymes that break down food and improve nutrient absorption. Additionally, tamarind's laxative properties promote regular bowel movements, relieving digestive discomfort. By supporting digestion, imli chutney indirectly contributes to a cooling effect within the body. It can be served with a variety of dishes, adding flavour and a refreshing touch.
It pairs exceptionally well with Indian street food such as samosas, pakoras, and chaat, where it complements the savoury and spicy flavours. It can be drizzled over grilled meats or used as a dipping sauce for kebabs. It can even be enjoyed with simple snacks like potato chips or as a condiment for sandwiches and wraps, adding a delightful tangy twist to the flavours.
Kacche Aam Ki Chutney
Kacche aam ki chutney, or raw mango chutney, is a popular condiment in Indian cuisine that offers a delightful combination of tangy, spicy, and cooling flavours. Made from raw, unripe mangoes, this chutney possesses cooling properties that make it an excellent choice for the summer season. Raw mangoes are rich in water content, which helps keep the body hydrated during hot weather. Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining body temperature and supporting various bodily functions.
They are a good source of vitamin C, which acts as a natural coolant. It helps lower body heat and provides a refreshing sensation. The tangy and sour taste of raw mango chutney stimulates the taste buds and aids digestion. It promotes the secretion of digestive enzymes, facilitating the breakdown of food and preventing digestive discomfort. Additionally, raw mangoes are known for their alkaline nature, which helps balance the pH levels in the body. This can reduce acidity and heartburn, providing relief in the scorching summer heat.
It can be served alongside samosas, pakoras, bhajiyas, or any other fried snacks to add a tangy and spicy element. It can be used as a side condiment with dishes like parathas, rotis, or rice preparations like pulao or biryani. It adds a burst of flavour to the meal. In popular Indian street food like chaats, raw mango chutney is often used as a topping or drizzle over dishes like pani puri, sev puri, or dahi vada. And it can be spread on bread slices or used as a filling in wraps to give it a tangy and refreshing taste.
Poppy Seed Chutney
Poppy seed chutney can be considered a cooling condiment in the summer due to its properties. Poppy seeds have a cooling effect, according to Ayurveda, and are rich in minerals that help maintain hydration and electrolyte balance. The mild, nutty flavour complements spicy dishes, creating a refreshing contrast.
Poppy seeds have a calming and soothing effect on the digestive system. They can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, relieving symptoms of indigestion, acidity, and bloating.
The use of mild spices like green chillies, ginger, and garlic adds flavour without excessive heat. In Bengali cuisine, posto bata is a poppy seed chutney that is often served alongside spicy dishes to provide a refreshing and soothing contrast. The mild and cooling nature of posto bata helps counteract the heat and provides relief to the palate. It is mostly served with steamed rice and a side of chopped onions.
Raw Banana Peel Chutney
Banana peel chutney is renowned for its cooling properties, especially during the summer season. They have a high-water content, making them naturally hydrating and refreshing. This helps combat dehydration and provides a cooling effect on the body during hot weather.
Additionally, banana peels are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin A, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. The banana peel chutney contains dietary fibre, which aids digestion and promotes a healthy digestive system. Improved digestion can alleviate discomfort and contribute to a sense of coolness and comfort, particularly in hot weather.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, banana peel is believed to possess cooling qualities that balance excess heat (pitta) in the body, providing a cooling effect when consumed. The other ingredients in the chutney, such as garlic and green chillies, also contribute to its cooling properties. Garlic is known for its cooling effect on the body, helping to reduce heat and inflammation. Green chillies, although spicy, contain capsaicin, which stimulates blood circulation and promotes sweating, aiding in cooling down the body.
Additionally, mustard oil, commonly used in this chutney, has a cooling effect and helps balance body temperature. Together, the combination of the hydrating and antioxidant-rich banana peels, along with the cooling properties of garlic, green chillies, and mustard oil, makes banana peel chutney a refreshing and cooling condiment for hot summers. You can serve banana peel chutney with traditional Indian meals such as rice, roti, paratha, or dal. It can complement dishes like pulao, biryani, khichdi, or even simple dal-chawal.