Chutney-e-Gashniz (Afghan Green Coriander Chutney)
Local name: چتنی گشنیز
In short: A bright, hot green chutney of coriander, mint, green chilies, garlic and walnuts, blended with vinegar for kebabs, bolani and rice. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 70 kcal
Chutney-e-gashniz is the fiery green sauce found on almost every Afghan table, spooned onto kebabs, bolani, mantu and rice. Fresh coriander and mint are blended with green chilies, garlic and vinegar, and many cooks add walnuts for body. It is sharp, herby and hot, and the flavor mellows after a few hours in the fridge. Make a jar at the start of the week and it will lift plain dishes.
Instructions
- Wash the coriander and mint and dry them very well. Trim off any thick or woody stems.
- Put the herbs, chilies, garlic, walnuts, vinegar, salt, sugar, water and oil in a blender or small food processor.
- Pulse and then blend into a thick, slightly textured paste, scraping down the sides and adding a spoonful of water only if needed.
- Taste and adjust the salt, vinegar and chili. The chutney should be sharp, salty and hot.
- Spoon into a clean jar and chill for at least 1 hour before serving, so the flavors can settle.
Tips
- Dry the herbs well. Extra water dilutes the flavor and shortens the storage life. Remove the chili seeds for a milder chutney.
- Freeze the chutney in ice cube trays for up to 3 months, then thaw a cube or two to spoon over grilled meat or rice.
Questions and answers
How long does Afghan green chutney keep?
Up to 1 week in the fridge in a clean jar. A thin film of oil on top helps keep the color bright.
What do you serve it with?
Kebabs, bolani, mantu and aushak, rice dishes and flatbread. It is also good in a sandwich or spooned over roasted vegetables.
Can I make it without nuts?
Yes. The chutney will be thinner and sharper, so add an extra spoonful of oil. Some cooks use a little roasted chickpea flour for body instead.
How long does it take to make Chutney-e-Gashniz (Afghan Green Coriander Chutney)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chutney-e-Gashniz (Afghan Green Coriander Chutney)?
About 70 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 2 g of carbohydrates and 6 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 70 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
