Spicy Sesame Chutney
Some of my favorite recipes are the ones that transport me straight back to childhood—and Spicy Sesame Chutney is one of them. I still remember sitting in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her expertly toast sesame seeds in her cast iron pan, the nutty aroma wafting through the air. She would grind them with fresh coconut, add a generous dollop of homemade yogurt, and finish with a fragrant tempering that crackled like music. That chutney wasn’t just a condiment—it was the star of breakfast.
Now, I make this spicy sesame chutney often in my own kitchen. It pairs beautifully with Dosas, Idlis, Upma, or even just plain Rice. It’s creamy, spicy, and full of comforting South Indian flavors—plus, it’s packed with protein and healthy fats.
Table of Contents
- About This Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- How To Make Spicy Sesame Chutney
- Have It Your Way
- Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Health Benefits
- Other Recipes You’ll Love
About This Recipe
This Spicy Sesame Chutney is a creamy, nutty, and slightly spicy side dish made with toasted sesame seeds, fresh coconut, and yogurt, balanced with a tempering of dals, spices, and curry leaves. The combination of toasted seeds and fresh ingredients creates a deep, rich flavor that complements everything from breakfast dishes to rice bowls. It’s simple, nourishing, and takes under 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Spicy and nutty, with layers of flavor
- Quick to make—perfect for busy mornings
- Vegetarian and protein-rich
- Versatile pairing—goes well with Dosas, idlis, or grain bowls
- Customizable heat levels to match your preference
Key Ingredients
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – Adds nutty richness and depth to the chutney.
- Fresh Coconut – Balances the sesame with creamy texture and mild sweetness.
- Water – Helps blend everything into a smooth, dippable consistency.
- Yogurt – Adds tanginess and creaminess (can use plant-based yogurt too).
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors.
Seasoning:
- Cooking Oil – For roasting the dals and spices.
- Chana Dal – Adds texture and nuttiness.
- Urad Dal – For an earthy bite and extra protein.
- Cumin Seeds – Offers warm, aromatic flavor.
- Dried Red Chili – Adds heat and smokiness.
Tempering:
- Cooking Oil – For finishing touch and fragrance.
- Chana Dal & Urad Dal – Adds a crispy bite.
- Dry Red Chili – Infuses heat and color.
- Curry Leaves – A signature South Indian aroma bomb!
How To Make Spicy Sesame Chutney
- In a small pan over low heat toast sesame seeds. Once toasted, set aside to cool.
- In a small pan, heat up a little cooking oil, and toast dried red chilies, cumin seeds, chana dal, and urad dal.
- In a blender, add fresh coconut, sesame seeds, dried chilies, cumin seeds, chana dal, urad dal, yogurt, water, and salt. Blend until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
- In a small pan, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and allow it to heat up. Then add 2 round dried chilies, chana dal, urad dal, and curry leaves. Once the chana dal and urad dal turn a reddish hue, remove from heat and pour over the sesame and coconut mixture.
- Stir, serve, and enjoy!
Have It Your Way
- Make it vegan: Simply replace yogurt with coconut yogurt or omit it entirely.
- Adjust the spice: Add more red chilies or use milder ones based on your heat tolerance.
- Add garlic: For an extra savory punch, sauté a couple of garlic cloves with the seasoning.
- Use as a dip: Pair with veggie sticks or use as a sandwich spread!
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
(Approximate; for 1 of 4 servings)
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
Health Benefits
- Sesame seeds are rich in calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats that support bone and heart health.
- Coconut adds medium-chain fatty acids that aid in digestion and energy.
- Yogurt (or plant-based yogurt) provides probiotics for gut health.
- Curry leaves are packed with antioxidants and known to support hair and skin health.
- Chana and urad dals bring in plant-based protein and fiber.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Smoky Zucchini Baba Ganoush
- Creamy Hummus
- Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
- Coconut Cilantro Chutney
- Cilantro Chutney
Spicy Sesame Chutney
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 1 cup Coconut Fresh
- ¾ cup water
- 2 tbsp Yogurt
- 1 tsp Salt
Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 tbsp Chana Dal
- 1 tbsp Urad Dal
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 2 Dried Red Chilies
Tempering:
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 tbsp Chana Dal
- 1 tbsp Urad Dal
- 2 Round Red Dried Chilies
- 5-7 Curry leaves
Instructions
- In a small pan over low heat toast sesame seeds. Once toasted, set aside to cool.
- In a small pan, heat up a little cooking oil, and toast dried red chilies, cumin seeds, chana dal, and urad dal.
- In a blender, add fresh coconut, sesame seeds, dried chilies, cumin seeds, chana dal, urad dal, yogurt, water, and salt. Blend until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
- In a small pan, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and allow it to heat up. Then add 2 round dried chilies, chana dal, urad dal, and curry leaves. Once the chana dal and urad dal turn a reddish hue, remove from heat and pour over the sesame and coconut mixture.
- Stir, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Toast the sesame seeds until golden brown and aromatic—this step is key to unlocking their full flavor.
- Use a high-speed blender or small chutney grinder for the smoothest texture.
- Store it right: Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Serving idea: Tastes amazing with hot steamed rice and a drizzle of ghee.
Nutrition
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