5 Refreshing Summer Chutneys to Beat the Heat

Dipping crispy pakoras or dosas in chutneys is such a satisfying experience, isn't it? Who doesn’t love pairing their favourite dishes with delicious chutney? In a nation as diverse as India, there are countless chutney options to explore. However, with summer upon us, it's important to know which ingredients are right for this season and which to avoid. Some ingredients can have a heating effect on your body. Leaving you feeling drained and weak, and potentially posing health risks if consumed excessively in the heat. On the other hand, some ingredients have a cooling effect on your body, helping to detoxify and refresh you. Here are some yummy and healthy chutneys perfect for summer that you can quickly whip up at home.

Hari Chutney

Hari Chutney is one of those must-have dips that we Indians simply can't enjoy our snacks and paranthas without. It's also incredibly easy to make. While there are many variations, it's primarily made with coriander or mint. These leafy ingredients are best for providing a super cooling effect on the body. So, you can relax and enjoy this chutney, knowing it will both refresh your taste buds and keep you cool in the summer.

Coconut Chutney

While sipping on refreshing coconut water is a summer staple, blending coconut into a chutney can be even better for your taste buds! This versatile dip is a perfect match for dosa and even rotis at times. Packed with nutrients and cooling properties, it's a must-have for the season. Grind the grated coconut into a fine paste using a good mixer grinder to make it perfect and ensure a smooth texture. If you have been looking for a grinder this season, then our recommendation for you is the Compact Genie 400W Mixer Grinder from Orient Electric. With its Crystal-Edge™ blades, it gives you a cutting-edge grinding experience, ensuring precision and consistency in every blend. For an extra dash of coolness, add some fenugreek seeds (methi seeds)– they're known for their ability to lower body temperature.

Cucumber Chutney

Known for its cooling properties, this vegetable is the go-to choice for many during the sweltering heat. This healthy and flavourful South Indian chutney is a true gem that pairs perfectly with chapatis and rice alike. Simply grate the cucumber, and blend it with tangy tamarind pulp, fragrant curry leaves, and a host of flavourful spices. It's an everyday dip that can effortlessly make both breakfast and snack times better. Cucumbers are a hydrating powerhouse and have a high water content that helps keep you refreshed and revitalized in this heat. Plus, their cooling properties can aid in combating dehydration and maintaining a balanced body temperature.

Mango Chutney

Can you even imagine surviving summers without mangos? But fear not, for this chutney offers a delightful way to savour the tangy goodness of raw mangoes. Known for their cooling properties, the juice of raw mangoes is often recommended as a remedy for heat exhaustion. Making this chutney is a breeze – simply toss all the ingredients into a mixer grinder with water and blend until smooth and fine. It's a summer-friendly recipe that can elevate the taste of your chapatis to a whole new level.  

Imli/Tamarind Chutney

This is a classic choice, as tamarind is an ingredient known for its cooling effect on the body, often featured in refreshing summer drinks. Moreover, it's a healthy addition to dishes as they are known to reduce inflammation. With numerous versions of this chutney available, you can easily find one to suit your taste buds.

While there are many other tempting chutney options to try this season, here are some ingredients that you must avoid using in your dips in summer.

Chutneys to Avoid in Summers

While ingredients like chillies, garlic, ginger, and pepper are commonly found in many chutneys, it's advisable to use them sparingly during the summer months due to their heating effect on the body. Here are some dips you might want to skip this season:

• Lehsun chutney
• Ginger (Adrak) chutney
• Mirchi chutney
• Chilli garlic chutney
• Schezwan chutney

These summer chutneys offer a delightful array of flavours and cooling properties that perfectly complement the scorching heat of the season. While indulging in these flavourful dips, it's essential to be mindful of ingredients with heating effects thus choosing the one cooling elements like cucumber and raw mango can be a great option.