If you’re looking for a quick and flavourful side dish for breakfast, this easy tomato chutney is a perfect choice. Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and a few everyday ingredients, this chutney comes together in just a few minutes. It pairs wonderfully with hot idlis and crispy dosas, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings and quick dinners. 
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized tomatoes
- 1 whole garlic bulb (peeled)
- 3 dried red chilies (adjust according to your preferred spice level)
- ¾ tbsp rock salt (or adjust to taste)
- 4–5 tbsp gingelly (sesame) oil
- ½ tsp mustard seeds
- 1 handful of fresh curry leaves
- ½ tsp country sugar (optional but recommended)
How to Prepare
Step 1: Grind the Ingredients
Wash and roughly chop the tomatoes. Add the chopped tomatoes, peeled garlic cloves, dried red chilies, and rock salt to a mixer jar.
Grind everything into a smooth paste without adding water. The tomatoes contain enough moisture to produce the right consistency.
Step 2: Temper the Chutney
Heat the gingelly oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Then add the curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Chutney
Pour the ground tomato mixture into the pan.
Avoid rinsing the mixer jar with water and adding it to the pan, as this can dilute the chutney and reduce its rich, authentic taste.
Cook the chutney over a low flame, stirring occasionally, until the raw smell disappears and the oil begins to separate slightly from the mixture.
Finally, add the country sugar and mix well. Turn off the heat once everything is well combined.
Your delicious tomato chutney is now ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This chutney tastes best when served hot with:
- Soft idlis
- Crispy dosas
- Uthaapam
- Paniyaram
Its rich garlic flavour and the aroma of gingelly oil make it a comforting accompaniment to any South Indian breakfast.
Storage Tips
I personally prefer preparing chutney fresh rather than storing or reheating it. Since this recipe takes only about five minutes to make, fresh preparation always gives the best taste and aroma.
However, if needed, you can refrigerate the chutney in an airtight container for up to one day. Reheat it gently before serving. For the best flavour and freshness, avoid storing it for longer periods.