Bengali Tomato Date Chutney (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

Tomato Date Chutney with GingerOne of the top favorites on my site is my recipe for Bengali Tomato Chutney, who knew? Today, I  tried a version in the instant pot, and after some trial and error I am happy. This variation is a Tomato Date Chutney, or what we call tomato Khejurer chutney. Truly this version practically took no effort. The gentle delicacy of flavors in this simple condiment is quite amazing.  Tomatoes are not native to the Indian table, which is why people first began to use them for chutneys and relishes.

My Tomato Date Chutney Recipe

This particular version is light and thick. This recipe has lower sugar than some other counterparts, to complement its gentler, lighter consistency.  This chutney also packs a good spice punch from the red pepper flakes. The ingredient that is truly making this a super happy marriage is the ginger. It might be a little unusual to see so much ginger in a Bengali chutney, but, flavor is an interesting thing. You can discover and have fun once you are willing to play. With tomato season eventually on its way, this condiment will offer you new possibilities with a much loved fruit. You knew it was a fruit, right?

Tomato Date Chutney

 

As a side note, the Bengali chutney has a very specific place on the Bengali table. It is sweet, tart and spicy and meant to be a palate cleanser between the savory course and dessert. It is generally light and nothing like that bottled stuff you find on grocery store shelves.

Of course, there is a place for all that and so if you like and want your chutney thick and stick, increase the sugar in this recipe by 1/2 cup and simmer the chutney until it reaches your desired consistency. Today was such a laid back kind of day. I was at home, without loads of errands and the kids and dad were out the whole day at robotics. I was even able to make a run for an afternoon latte, while dinner was cooking. Thank you instant pot!

Another great recipe meshing dates as a sweetener includes this Coconut Carrot Date Halwa for Holi.

If you like this recipe and want more ideas, do join my Indian Instant Pot Facebook group and Legume Love Group. Of course Instant Indian is ready for pre-order, joining its siblings The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons.

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Now to grab some more of the chutney!

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Bengali Tomato Chutney with Ginger (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Yield: Serves 6 to 8

A light and spicy take on the Bengali tomato chutney with added zest from fresh ginger.

Ingredients

  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoon oil (preferably mustard)
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon nigella seeds
  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
  • 6 medium sized plum tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup dates coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Turn the instant pot on the saute mode. Add in about 1 tablespoon oil and wait until the display registers hot. Add in the fennel seeds, nigella seeds and the red pepper flakes. After 30 seconds add in the ginger and saute lightly for about 20 seconds.
  2. Add in the tomatoes,dates, salt, brown sugar and water and mix well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Cancel the saute mode and set on pressure cook for 4 minutes.
  4. Open the lid after a natural pressure release.
  5. With a wooden spoon mix the chutney well.
  6. Stove Top Instructions
  7. Follow the process as described but reduce the water by half. Cover and cook for 20 minutes before removing.
https://spicechronicles.com/bengali-tomato-date-chutney-instantpot/

 

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