Authentic Tamarind Date Chutney (Sweet & Tangy Imli Chutney)

Image Source: Hebbar's Kitchen

The perfect sweet and tangy chutney for your favorite chaat! This easy, homemade tamarind date chutney (imli chutney recipe) is a must-have for Indian snacks. As a chef with over 15 years experience perfecting traditional Indian condiments, I'm sharing my foolproof tamarind date chutney recipe for chaat that will elevate your street food game.

⏲️ Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 1.5 cups

The Soul of Indian Chaat

No Indian chaat experience is complete without the signature sweet and sour tamarind chutney. This tamarind date chutney recipe for chaat has been perfected through generations, balancing the perfect harmony of tangy tamarind, sweet dates, and aromatic spices. What makes my version special is the slow-cooking technique that deepens the flavors and the precise spice balance that enhances without overpowering.

Ingredients

• ½ cup seedless tamarind (or 100g tamarind block)
• 1 cup pitted dates (about 15-18 dates)
• 2 cups warm water (for soaking)
• 1 cup water (for cooking)
• ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon red chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon black salt
• ½ teaspoon regular salt
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• 2 tablespoons jaggery (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon chopped ginger (optional)

Chef's Notes:

Ingredient Selection Tips: Use seedless tamarind for convenience or traditional tamarind blocks for authentic flavor. Choose soft, fresh dates rather than dry ones. The jaggery can be substituted with brown sugar if needed, but reduces the depth of flavor. Black salt (kala namak) is essential for authentic chaat flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Soak the Tamarind and Dates

In a medium bowl, combine the tamarind and dates with 2 cups warm water. Let soak for 30 minutes to soften. Pro Tip: The warmer the water, the faster they'll soften, but don't use boiling water as it can make the dates mushy.

2. Cook the Mixture

Transfer the soaked ingredients with their water to a saucepan. Add 1 cup fresh water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dates and tamarind are completely soft and the mixture has thickened slightly. Chef's Secret: The slow simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully.

3. Strain and Blend

Once cooled slightly, pass the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing with a spoon to extract all pulp. Discard the fibers. For smoother chutney, blend the strained mixture briefly with an immersion blender. Common Mistake: Avoid blending before straining - you'll end up with fibrous chutney.

4. Season the Chutney

Return the strained mixture to the cleaned saucepan. Add cumin powder, red chili powder, black salt, regular salt, garam masala, and jaggery. Simmer on low for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Key Indicator: The chutney should coat the back of a spoon thickly when done.

5. Cool and Store

Allow the chutney to cool completely before transferring to an airtight glass jar. It will thicken further as it cools. Storage Tip: Always use a clean, dry spoon to prevent spoilage.

Master Chef Techniques

For Depth of Flavor: Toast whole cumin seeds lightly before grinding for fresher aroma. Texture Control: For thicker chutney, simmer longer; for thinner, add a little water. Flavor Development: The chutney tastes even better the next day as flavors marry.

Nutritional Benefits

This tamarind date chutney isn't just delicious - it offers surprising health benefits:

• Tamarind: Rich in antioxidants, aids digestion, and contains essential minerals like magnesium and potassium
• Dates: Natural sweetener packed with fiber, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals including iron
• Cumin: Aids digestion and is a good source of iron
• Black Salt: Contains trace minerals and may help with digestion

Nutrition per tablespoon: 25 calories | 6g carbs | 0.2g protein | 0.1g fat | 0.5g fiber | No cholesterol

Expert Variations

Spicy Version

Add 1 finely chopped green chili with the spices for extra heat. Some street vendors also add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for digestive benefits.

Sugar-Free Option

Omit jaggery and use 2 tablespoons of date syrup or increase the number of dates by 50% for natural sweetness without added sugar.

Quick Shortcut

Use ¾ cup tamarind paste and ¾ cup date paste instead of whole ingredients. Reduce water to ½ cup and skip soaking step.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile tamarind date chutney for chaat pairs perfectly with:

Bhel Puri Pani Puri Samosa Chaat Dahi Vada Aloo Tikki Baked Papdi Chaat

Chef's Serving Tip: For the ultimate chaat experience, serve this chutney alongside mint chutney and provide small spoons for guests to drizzle their preferred combination onto snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade tamarind chutney last?

Properly stored in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator, this chutney lasts 2-3 weeks. You can freeze it for up to 3 months - thaw in the refrigerator before use.

Can I make this tamarind date chutney without dates?

Yes, substitute with jaggery or brown sugar (1/3 cup), but dates provide natural sweetness, fiber, and thickness that sugar alone can't match.

Why is my chutney too sour/too sweet?

The perfect tamarind date chutney recipe for chaat balances sweet and sour. If too sour, add more jaggery in small increments. If too sweet, add lemon juice ½ teaspoon at a time.

Can I use tamarind paste instead of raw tamarind?

Absolutely! Use ½ cup tamarind paste mixed with ½ cup water as a substitute for raw tamarind, adjusting consistency as needed.

Final Thoughts

Mastering this authentic tamarind date chutney recipe for chaat will transform your homemade Indian snacks from good to street food stall-worthy. The balance of sweet, sour, and spice creates that signature flavor profile that makes chaat so addictive. Whether you're preparing it for a party or keeping a batch in your fridge for quick snacks, this chutney is a kitchen essential.

Try this recipe and let me know in the comments how it turned out for you! What's your favorite way to use tamarind chutney? Share your chaat creations with #HomemadeChutneyMagic on social media.

Love this recipe? Please rate it ★★★★★ and share with friends who love authentic Indian flavors!