Tamarind Chutney (Preparation Time: 30 Minutes; Serves 5-6)

This sweet, sour and tangy tamarind / meethi chutney is indispensable with Dahi bada, bhel poori, kofte, matar chaat, aaloo chaat, tikki, chole etc.

Ingredients

• 50-60 gms Tamarind
• 100 gms Jaggery
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 cups water
• ¼ tsp black salt (kala namak)
• ½ tsp bhuna jeera
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper powder (kali mirch)
• A pinch of garam masala
• 7-8 chuaare (dried dates) OR Raisins, chopped 

Steps

• Wash the tamarind and jaggery, and soak together in a little water (just enough to immerse them) for about half an hour
  
  
• Squeeze the tamarind - jaggery mix passing it through a strainer into a saucepan; add water and all the spices and mix well
  
  
• Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and cook on low heat for about 20-25 minutes to get nice, thick consistency (the chutney tends to thicken further on cooling)