Pudina Chutney (Mint Chutney for Idli & Dosa)

Ingredients:

Mint leaves - 1 cup (tightly packed)

Tomato (medium) - 1

Shredded Coconut - 3-4 tbsp

Chana dal - 1 tbsp

Crushed garlic pods - 2

Red chillies - 3 (adjust according to taste)

Tamarind pulp - 1/4 tbsp

Salt - as per taste

Oil - 1 tbsp

For seasoning:

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tbsp

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tbsp

Urad dal - 1/2 tbsp

Curry leaves - few

Oil - 1/2 tbsp

Procedure:

1. Take a kadai, heat oil, add chana dal, crushed garlic pods, red chillies and fry them until they slightly alter their color.
2. Add chopped tomato and saute it for few minutes or until it turns tender. Add washed mint leaves and give a nice stir for not more than one minute. Let them cool for few minutes.
3. Now blend all the ingredients together with shredded coconut, tamarind pulp and salt.
4. Finally season it with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, urad dal and curry leaves. Add little water to obtain desired consistency.

TIP: Do not cook mint leaves for long time. Overcooking may disturb the natural flavor of mint leaves and sometimes may turn bitter.