Chutney vs Relish
People all over the world enjoy chutneys and relishes as a way to spice up their meals and enhance the flavors of their dishes. These condiments have been used for centuries, with various cultures creating their own unique recipes. This article explores the subtle differences between chutney and relish, helping readers understand the types of condiments they are consuming with their meals.
Chutney
The word “chutney” comes from the Hindi word “chatni,” which means highly spiced. Chutneys from India are known for their intense heat. These condiments consist of a mixture of fruits and vegetables preserved with vinegar and a variety of spices. Chutneys can be either sweet or salty, with some serving as excellent accompaniments to spicy dishes, while others are used to make bland food more palatable. The consistency of chutneys allows them to be easily spread on bread or used as a condiment for curries and rice. They typically contain small pieces of fruits and vegetables, sometimes finely chopped, to create a smooth texture.
Some popular Indian chutneys include those made with mint, coriander leaves, and green mango pieces, which are blended into a wet paste and used fresh alongside meals. In southern India, ground coconut chutney is a staple accompaniment to many dishes. Other types of chutneys include lime, chili, garlic, tomato, and onion varieties.
Relish
“Relish” is a broad term for food items that are served as condiments alongside a meal. This category includes jams, sauces, chutneys, and pickles. Specifically, relish refers to a condiment made from spiced, preserved cucumber jam, which is often eaten with burgers and other fast food items to enhance their taste.
Relishes generally contain larger, meatier pieces of fruits and vegetables than chutneys, with the sauce they are immersed in being less prominent. As a result, relishes are not as smooth as sauces or chutneys. In North America, relish is commonly served in Canadian fast food restaurants, while it is less popular in the United States, where mustard, sauces, and pickles are more commonly used as condiments.
Key Takeaways
- Chutneys and relishes are similar in taste and appearance and serve the same purpose of enhancing the flavor of a meal.
- Chutneys originated in India, while relishes were developed in western countries.
- Chutneys can be served fresh or preserved, while relishes are typically preserved. Relishes contain larger pieces of fruits and vegetables, while chutneys have smaller, more finely chopped ingredients.