If there’s one thing that instantly elevates a South Indian breakfast, it’s a good chutney. And when you want something bold, spicy, and loaded with flavor, onion chutney always delivers. This is not your mellow coconut chutney — this one’s intense, deeply savory, and made for those who love a punch of heat alongside their idlis or dosas.
Onion chutney is a staple across South Indian homes, especially in Karnataka and Andhra kitchens where spice is celebrated. In this version, we skip tomatoes altogether and build that tangy depth using tamarind. The gorgeous red color? That’s thanks to Byadgi chillies, known for their bright hue and subtle heat. It’s fiery, flavorful, and brings a whole new energy to your plate.
Whether you’re dipping a crispy dosa or mixing it into steaming hot rice, this chutney is designed to wake up your palate and add a burst of flavor to every bite.
Onions in South Indian Cuisine
Onions play a major role in South Indian cooking — not just as a base for curries, but also as a hero ingredient in chutneys. This chutney in particular hails from Karnataka and Andhra-style kitchens, where heat and tang are core to chutney culture.
Using Byadgi chillies (known for color, not just heat), the chutney gets its signature red hue without burning your taste buds.
What Goes Into This Chutney and Why
Let’s break down the flavors and benefits of each key ingredient:
- Onions: The heart of the chutney — they turn soft, sweet, and deeply flavorful when sautéed.
- Byadgi Chillies: Provide bright red color and mellow heat.
- Ginger & Garlic: Add depth and aroma.
- Tamarind: Offers tang and balances the heat.
- Chana Dal & Urad Dal: Give nutty flavor and creamy texture once ground.
- Rock Salt & Jaggery: Together, they make the taste round and balanced — spicy, salty, sweet, and tangy.
- Tempering (tadka): Brings aroma, crunch, and that finishing touch with mustard seeds, hing, curry leaves, and more.
Let’s Cook
Start by heating some oil in a wide pan. First go in the chana dal and urad dal — they need a bit of time to roast and release that earthy aroma. Once they begin to brown, toss in chopped onions and sauté until they just start to turn soft and glossy.
Now add ginger and garlic, followed by the Byadgi chillies. Sauté until the raw smell goes, then add tamarind, rock salt, and continue cooking till the mix looks well-roasted.
Once done, transfer everything to a mixer jar and blend it into a smooth paste — first dry, then with a little water. Finally, stir in a small amount of jaggery to balance the heat and tang.
Time for tadka: In a small pan, heat oil, splutter mustard seeds, urad dal, cumin seeds, a pinch of hing, and finish with fresh curry leaves. Pour this aromatic tempering over your chutney and mix well.
What Goes Best with Onion Chutney?
This chutney is one of the most versatile South Indian condiments you’ll ever make. Serve it with:
- Idli or dosa – A classic pairing
- Uttapam – The spiciness cuts through the soft base
- Medu vada – Dips beautifully into this bold chutney
- Plain rice with ghee (or vegan ghee) – for a spicy meal starter
- Even with roti or parathas, it adds a spicy twist
💡 Pro Tip: Make it a day ahead — the flavors deepen overnight and taste even better the next morning
Packing It in a Lunchbox
Onion chutney travels well, especially if tempered after cooling. Use a spill-proof steel or glass container and pair with idlis or mini dosas for a mess-free tiffin. If you’re packing for longer hours, slightly reduce water in the chutney to keep it thick.
Bulk Prep & Storing for Later
This chutney stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. You can also:
- Double or triple the batch for large gatherings
- Freeze individual portions in ice cube trays for easy thaw-and-serve use
- Use leftover chutney as a spread on sandwiches or wraps
Onion Chutney
Description
This spicy South Indian onion chutney is made with sautéed onions, red chillies, tamarind, and roasted lentils, topped with a fragrant tempering. It’s bold, tangy, and the perfect side for dosa, idli, and more.
Ingredients
To make onion chutney
For tempering
Instructions
Prep Work
-
Chop onions
Peel and chop the onions roughly
-
Prep garlic and ginger
Peel garlic and chop ginger into small pieces -
Break chillies and prep tamarind
Break dry chillies into halves and set tamarind aside
Method
-
Roast the dals
Heat oil in a wide pan. Add chana dal and urad dal and roast till golden brown.
-
Sauté onions
Add chopped onions and sauté for a few minutes till they soften. -
Add garlic and ginger
Toss in chopped garlic and ginger, sauté briefly till aromatic.
-
Add chillies & tamarind
Add in byadgi chillies and tamarind bits, sauté for a few seconds. -
Season with salt
Add rock salt and mix everything well.
-
Grind the chutney
Turn off heat and transfer mixture to a mixer jar. Add jaggery and blend once. -
Add water and blend
Add water as needed and grind to a fine, smooth chutney.
-
Prepare tempering
In a small pan, heat oil. Add urad dal, mustard, cumin, and let mustard splutter. -
Add final tempering
Add red chillies, hing, turn off heat and toss in curry leaves. -
Mix and serve
Pour tempering over the chutney, mix well and serve.
Equipment
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 98kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6.2g10%
- Saturated Fat 1.1g6%
- Sodium 610mg26%
- Potassium 230mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 9.8g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2.1g9%
- Sugars 2.3g
- Protein 2.3g5%
- Vitamin A 290 IU
- Vitamin C 4.2 mg
- Calcium 42 mg
- Iron 1.4 mg
- Vitamin K 2 mcg
- Magnesium 16 mg
- Zinc 0.4 mg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.