Summer months are extremely excruciating in most parts of India, Asia and the tropical & subtropical countries across the northern hemisphere of the globe. Summer is literally unwanted in most of the indian subcontinent as it brings with it all the discomforts of extreme heat and humidity that leave us drained and exhausted. But, nature is a wonder treasure unfolding a vast array of ingredients giving us a beat for every season and summer provides us many such exclusive delights to rejoice in, such as mangoes, jamuns and many more to live it gracefully.

All the foodstuffs that are high in water content i.e. juicy fruits and fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers are up on our preference list and the cool, refreshing, icy, juicy, fruity, light and tangy are the kinds that you would like to embrace in this season. We need just something to quench our thirst and re-energize ourselves to keep us going by replenishing the water loss due to perspiration. All the juicy & watery fruits and vegetables are the foods of choice when it comes to managing your thirst. Melons, grapes, cucumber, tomatoes, raw onions etc. to name a few are our sources of gastronomic pleasure in the hot summer days. These fruits and vegetables in any form are welcome, whether eaten raw or in salads, juices, chutneys etc. would tingle our tastebuds as well as soothe us in the scorching heat. When it comes to chutneys, I am very fond of the sweet and sour chutneys among all for this season. Sweet & sour chutneys are always fondly savoured after a heavy afternoon meal in Bengali households. A typical Bengali meal must concIude with a sweet and sour chutney (chaatni or tok in bengali) especially during the summer when longing for these tangy coolants just doubles.

Who would like to refuse a glass of grape juice or a bowl of raw tomato salad in a burning summer day? Very few I guess, right? The two refreshing ingredients, tomatoes & grapes work wonders when prepared together as a chutney/chaatni the bengali way. This simple, easy to prepare, quick and delicious dish is just perfect for this hot and humid season. I hope you will love having it this summer and enjoy the rewards that summer offer. Try out this recipe given below :

RECIPE :

Ingredients :

1. Grapes (preferably sour) – 1/3rd cup.

2. Tomato puree – 1 cup.

3. Tamarind pulp – 2 tsp.

4. Roasted cumin seeds powder – 1/2 tsp.

5. Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp.

6. Dry red chili – 1

7. Refined oil – 1 tsp.

8. Sugar – 1 and 1/2 tbs (or to taste)

9. Salt – 1/4th tsp.

Procedure :

1. Heat oil in pan.

2. Add dry red chilli and saute till it turns dark.

3. Add the mustard seeds and let them splatter.

4. Add the pureed tomato, and stir.

5. Add tamarind pulp, salt and sugar and stir to mix over a low flame.

6. Add roasted cumin seeds powder and mix.

7. Add the grapes and stir for another 2-3 minutes.

8. Add water to get the desired consistency, which should be neither too thick nor too runny.

9. Bring it to boil and simmer for another 1 minute.

Note : Do not overcook, so that the grapes remain whole and doesn’t get disintegrated.

10. Bring down from the flame and let it cool down completely.

Your sweet and sour chutney is now ready to touch your taste buds.