Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: What the heck is chutney?

Here at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market, Rohini Mulchandani makes and sells a variety of chutneys. Kids love 'em, and for some grown-ups chutneys are relatively new to the everday table.

Made with both fruits and vegetables, chutneys are condiments, just like ketchup, vinegar, mustard, salsa, jams, and mayo.

Chutney originated in India (a long, long, long time ago) and is derived from the Hindi word: chatni or strong, sweet relish.

Savory chutney was originally a relish made with fresh fruits and spices, often served fresh at the table. Much like preserves, jams, and jellies, chutneys made-at-home often include the locally-grown fruits and vegetables of a region.

Both savory and sweet, chutneys are usually made with vinegar, some sugar, and spices. Like salsa, chutneys run the heat spectrum from very mild to spicy hot! (Or, as Rohini says, "Tastefully Hot!")

Serving suggestions for chutneys:

▪ On Toasted Bagels
▪ Recipe Ingredient
▪ Glaze or Side for Meats
▪ A Dip for Pretty Much Anything!
▪ Compliment to Fruits and Vegetables (Fresh and Grilled)
▪ A Spread with Crackers and Cheeses
▪ Peanut Butter & Chutney Sandwiches
▪ Stir into cream cheese and yogurt to make a spread or dip
▪ Ask Rohini for More Ideas!!

Chutney tidbit:
Chutneys have been served in America since the days of the colonies and has been a staple ingredient in southern American cuisine for centuries.

Stop by Arjay Gourmet and try some of Rohini's Chutneys. They may become a new favorite on your family condiment tray on the way to the dinner table!

Market insider tip:
Tamarind Date Chutney is a great compliment to grilled veggies.


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Photo image: Rohini's Chutneys by Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

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