Pakistani Anaar Chutney

Name: Pakistani Anaar Chutney
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Pakistani
Ingredients: Pomegranate seeds (or pomegranate juice) — 300 g (2 cups) or 250 ml (1 cup); Sugar — 80 g (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp); Roasted cumin powder — 5 g (1.5 tsp); Black salt (kala namak) — 3 g (1/2 tsp); Red chile powder — 2 g (1/2 tsp); Fresh mint, chopped — 10 g (2 tbsp)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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15 min

Prep

25 min

Cook

Ingredients

Pomegranate seeds (or pomegranate juice) — 300 g (2 cups) or 250 ml (1 cup)
Sugar — 80 g (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp)
Roasted cumin powder — 5 g (1.5 tsp)
Black salt (kala namak) — 3 g (1/2 tsp)
Red chile powder — 2 g (1/2 tsp)
Fresh mint, chopped — 10 g (2 tbsp)

Method

Blend pomegranate seeds briefly, then strain through a fine sieve to extract juice (or use store-bought unsweetened
pomegranate juice).
Combine juice and sugar in a saucepan; simmer over medium-low heat 20-25 minutes until reduced to a syrupy
consistency.
Stir in roasted cumin, black salt and chile powder.
Cool slightly, then stir in fresh mint.
Adjust sweetness and tang to taste before serving.

Cultural Background: A tangy pomegranate chutney, anaar chutney reflects Pakistan's Mughal culinary heritage, its bright ruby colour and sweet-tart flavour traditionally served alongside grilled kebabs and biryani.

Tips: • Straining the pomegranate seeds gently (not over-blending, which can release bitter notes from the pith) gives the cleanest juice. • This chutney thickens significantly as it cools, so don't over-reduce it on the stove.

Variations: • Add a pinch of ground ginger for extra warmth. • Adjust chile powder for a spicier version.

Storage: Refrigerate in a sealed jar up to 3 weeks.

Reheating: Not applicable; served cold or at room temperature. Nutrition (per serving) Approx. 30 kcal, 0.2 g protein, 0 g fat, 7.5 g carbohydrate per 15 g serving. FAQs What is anaar chutney traditionally served with? Grilled kebabs, biryani, and as a condiment for Pakistani and North Indian festive meals. Can I use store-bought pomegranate juice? Yes, unsweetened 100% pomegranate juice works well and saves the extraction step.

FAQs: What is anaar chutney traditionally served with? Grilled kebabs, biryani, and as a condiment for Pakistani and North Indian festive meals. Can I use store-bought pomegranate juice? Yes, unsweetened 100% pomegranate juice works well and saves the extraction step.