Sweet and Tangy Watermelon Rind Chutney

Watermelon is a versatile fruit.Its one of the super foods as stated by a recent poll and is recommended in summers for its sweet red juicy flesh.But we discard the rind along with the skin.The rind is light green or white in color and has a lot of nutrition.The Chinese use it for pickling and stir-fry but I am making it into a lip-smacking chutney which is absolutely lovely with Dosas,Cheelas,Idlis and with things you can imagine to have Ketchup with.The magical ingredient – Balsamic Vinegar – available in supermarkets and special import shops.

This was a first-attempt hit and I was terribly excited and happy at the outcome.The measurements are precise.So check out this recipe and be sure to try it.It will win you SURE complements.A big thanks to Kurush F Dalal who introduced me to this recipe and I was tempted to try it.

Preparation Time – 30 minutes
Makes – Approx 200 gms of Chutney

INGREDIENTS

1 cup watermelon rind – chopped in small cubes
1 cup white sugar
2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
2 tsp Chili Flakes
1/2 tsp Chili Powder
1/2 tsp Coriander Powder(Dhania)
1/4 tsp Dry Mango Powder(Amchur)
1 tsp salt

METHOD

Separate the red flesh and the green skin from the rind of the watermelon.Cut the rinds into small cubes.Measure exactly 1 cup of the cubes.

The Watermelon Rinds…

In a saucepan take the cubes and add sugar and vinegar.Mix well until incorporated.No need to add water here because the rinds give off enough water during cooking.Put the saucepan on the lowest heat and cook till the sugar and vinegar combine together to form a rich,glossy and deep brown color – almost like molasses.

Cook for approx 10-12 minutes till the sugar thickens to a honey consistency.Take off heat.Cover with a clean cloth and leave to cool.After cooling store in a jar or a container.Serve with any dish of your choice or eat it smacking your fingers as I did!Real Yum!

P S

1.Be sure to check the consistency of the sugar syrup.If boiled for too long it will become like a very hard candy difficult to handle.If this happens then add 1/2 cup of water to the chutney and re-heat till it comes to the right consistency.

2.Measure the ingredients in the exact proportion for a perfect chutney.

3.People loving Garlic can either add finely chopped or whole garlic cloves if they want.Its advisable to fry them in a little oil before adding as the raw taste will spoil the authentic taste of the chutney.

4.Dates or raisins could be added as well but I feel this is an authentic Watermelon Rind Chutney…so we should keep it as authentic as possible!