Coconut Chutney - 3g protein vegetarian Indian side
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Coconut Chutney

A classic South Indian coconut chutney with roasted chana dal for extra protein, finished with a crackling mustard seed tempering.

Prep Time 10 min
Cook Time 5 min
Total Time 15 min
Servings 6
Difficulty easy
3g Protein
90 Calories
5g Fat
8g Carbs
2g Fiber
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You can't eat dosa or idli without coconut chutney. It's not a rule, but it kind of is. This is the version I grew up eating, and the one thing I didn't need to modify much. Roasted chana dal is already in the traditional recipe, and it's a legit source of protein.

I just bump up the chana dal a bit more than my mom uses. The tempering at the end with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chili is what takes it from good to essential. I make a big batch every time I meal prep dosas for the week.

The Protein Upgrade

Traditional coconut chutney already uses some chana dal for texture. We increase the chana dal from the typical 1 tablespoon to 3 tablespoons, boosting protein to 3g per serving while keeping the classic flavor.

Coconut Chutney

3g protein per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen grated coconut 1g protein
  • 3 tbsp roasted chana dal 1g protein
  • 1 green chili (adjust to taste)
  • ½ inch ginger
  • ½ cup water (as needed for blending)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp oil (for tempering)
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp urad dal
  • 1 dried red chili (broken in half)
  • 6 curry leaves

Instructions

  1. Blend the grated coconut, roasted chana dal, green chili, ginger, salt, and water until you get a smooth but slightly textured paste. Add water gradually, you want it thick, not watery.
  2. Transfer the chutney to a serving bowl.
  3. For the tempering, heat oil in a small pan over medium-high heat. Add mustard seeds and wait for them to pop.
  4. Add urad dal and fry until golden, about 30 seconds. Add the dried red chili and curry leaves. Let them sizzle for 10 seconds.
  5. Pour the hot tempering directly over the coconut chutney. Stir gently and serve.

Boost Your Protein

  • Add an extra tablespoon of roasted chana dal for more protein and a nuttier flavor.
  • Pair with protein dosas or high-protein idli for a complete South Indian meal.
  • Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and 2-3g more protein.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • No fresh coconut? Use unsweetened desiccated coconut soaked in warm water.
  • No roasted chana dal? Use roasted peanuts for similar body.
  • No curry leaves? Use a bay leaf, removed before serving.
  • No urad dal for tempering? Use cumin seeds instead.
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