Sep 10 2026

Dahi Onion Chutney Recipe

Time25m
Serves3

Creamy, tangy, crunchy and bursting with flavours. Pair it with parathas, pakoras, kebabs, biryani or even your everyday lunch.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Chutney Base

Method

Chutney Base

  1. 1

    Prep the yogurt

    If using store-bought yogurt, whisk it in a bowl until smooth and slightly frothy. For a thicker consistency, strain yogurt through a fine-mesh sieve or muslin for 10–15 minutes to remove excess whey. Measure 1 cup of the prepared yogurt into a mixing bowl.

  2. 2

    Prepare aromatics

    Finely chop red onion, cilantro and mint. Chop green chilies (remove seeds for less heat). Combine the chopped onion (about 1/2 cup), green chilies (1 tbs), cilantro (2 tbs) and mint (1 tbs) into the bowl with yogurt.

  3. 3

    Season the base

    Add lemon juice (1 tbs), salt (3/4 tsp) and sugar or honey (1/4 tsp, optional) to the yogurt mixture. Stir thoroughly until smooth and taste; adjust salt, lemon or sugar to balance tanginess and creaminess. Chill the base in the refrigerator while you prepare the tempering (5–10 minutes).

Crunchy Tempering & Garnish

  1. 4

    Heat oil and cook tempering

    In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil or ghee over medium heat until shimmering. Add mustard seeds (1/2 tsp). When they begin to pop, add cumin seeds (1/2 tsp) and urad or chana dal (1 tsp) if using. Fry until the dal turns golden (about 30–45 seconds).

  2. 5

    Add spices and aromatics

    Add the broken dry red chili (1 pc) and curry leaves (6 pcs) if using. Fry for another 10–15 seconds until fragrant, then remove the skillet from heat and immediately add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) if using. Be careful not to burn the spices — they should sizzle briefly and become aromatic.

  3. 6

    Combine tempering with chutney

    Pour the hot tempering over the chilled yogurt mixture; you will hear and see the sizzle. Gently fold the tempering into the yogurt so the crunchy bits disperse evenly but retain texture.

  4. 7

    Add garnish and optional crunch

    Stir in finely sliced raw onion for extra crunch (2 tbs). If using, fold in 2 tablespoons of crushed toasted or roasted peanuts for a nutty crunch. Finish with a light drizzle (1/2 tsp) of extra virgin olive oil or melted ghee for shine and aroma.

  5. 8

    Rest and serve

    Let the chutney sit for 5 minutes at room temperature for flavors to meld (or chill up to 30 minutes). Taste and adjust salt or lemon if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature with parathas, pakoras, kebabs, biryani or as a dip for everyday meals.

More from International Tea and Coffee Company