You must try this Green Coriander Coconut Chutney made with fresh cilantro leaves and tender grated coconut, and topped with an aromatic tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves. This easy chutney takes 10 minutes to make and pairs well with idli, dosa, upma, and vadas.

Coconut Coriander Chutney in a bowl
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This chutney is a variation made with cilantro leaves for my basic coconut chutney recipe.

Coriander coconut chutney goes well with South Indian dishes like idli and dosa, similar to peanut chutney.

This chutney is very easy to prepare: grind the coconut and cilantro along with some aromatics, then add a quick tadka (tempered seasoning) to it, and it is ready to be served.

Accompanying your meal with chutney can add flavor, variety, and many healthy nutrients to your diet. This chutney is not only delicious but also very nutritious because it contains the goodness of both coconut and cilantro, which are great sources of antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.

Coconut Benefits

Coconut has been used in Pacific and Asian cultures for a long time. However, now it has become popular all over the world, with people realizing its health benefits.  

Even though coconut is rich in calories and fats, it is considered one of the healthiest fats.  Coconuts are rich in lauric acid, which is known for being antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal and boosts the immune system.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • It only needs simple ingredients.
  • Can be made in less than 15 minutes.
  • Pairs perfectly with any south Indian dish!
  • It tastes better when made ahead of time.
  • It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can even be frozen!

Ingredients you’ll need

Ingredients needed for Cilantro Coconut Chutney

Cilantro: To make the chutney, use fresh cilantro. The herb’s leaves and soft, green stems can be used, but I advise removing the bottom 2 inches because they may be bitter.

Coconut: For this chutney, freshly grated coconut works best. However, you can also use frozen coconut if you cannot find it fresh. Some people also like to use desiccated coconut to make this chutney.

Green Chili: For the heat, use green chili; you can adjust the amount to your taste.

Ginger: Ginger adds a little spice kick to this chutney.

Roasted chana dal: Don’t skip the roasted chana dal, also known as Dalia in Hindi, as it gives the chutney a wonderful creamy texture.

Lemon Juice: The lemon juice gives the nariyal chutney a fresh taste. You could also use tamarind paste in place of it.

Tempering: You’ll need oil, mustard seeds, urad dal, hing (asafoetida), curry leaves, and dry red chili.

How to make Coconut Chutney?

  • Grind together all ingredients mentioned for chutney – coconut, cilantro leaves, ginger, green chili, roasted chana dal, and salt.
  • Add water in small quantities as needed to assist in grinding and to get the desired consistency. Remove and set aside in a bowl. 
  • Heat oil in a small pan and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add the urad dal. 
  • Once the dal turns golden, add the asafoetida, dry red chili, and curry leaves. Cook for about a minute until the curry leaves turn crispy. Then turn off the heat. 

Note: When you add the curry leaves, the oil will start to splutter. You can take the tadka pan off the heat as needed.

  • Tadka is ready, pour it into the chutney immediately. Stir gently. 
  • Chutney is ready to be served with idli or dosa.
Coconut Coriander Chutney with tadka on the top

Pro Tips

  • This coconut cilantro chutney recipe tastes and feels best when you use freshly grated coconut. We also like this chutney made with frozen coconut.
  • Depending on your desire, you can make the chutney thicker or thinner by altering the water.
  • Depending on your preferences, you can adjust the amount of green chili and ginger.
  • If you’re using frozen coconut, let it get to room temperature before putting it in the blender. If you blend the frozen coconut, the fats may come out of the pulp.

Variations & Substitutions

Lime juice: You can use tamarind paste in place of lime juice for a tangier flavor.

Roasted Chana Dal: Instead of roasted chana dal (dalia), you can thicken the chutney with roasted peanuts, cashews, or almonds too. 

Ginger: You can use one or two cloves of garlic in place of ginger. Or ginger can be entirely omitted.

Green Coconut Chutney with spoon on the side

Serving

Serve this chutney with steaming hot South Indian foods like idlisdosa, uttapam, etc.. 

It can also be served as a side with upmaven pongal or millet pongal, and sambar.

You can use it as a dip for pakoras or sabudana vada.

How to store 

Refrigerator: You can keep this coriander coconut chutney in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezer: You can store this chutney in a container that can go in the freezer, you can keep it fresh for up two months longer.

To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, adjust the thickness by adding water, and enjoy!

More South Indian Recipes 

4.88 from 8 votes

Cilantro Coconut Chutney

You must try this Green Coriander Coconut Chutney made with fresh cilantro leaves and tender grated coconut, and topped with an aromatic tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves. This easy chutney takes 10 minutes to make and pairs well with idli, dosa, upma, and vadas.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 5

Ingredients 

For Chutney

  • 1 cup Coconut, grated (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup Cilantro , also called coriander leaves
  • 1/2 inch Ginger
  • 1 Green Chili Pepper, adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoon Roasted Chana Dal (dalia)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt, adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sugar , optional
  • 1 teaspoon Lime or Lemon juice, or tamarind paste
  • 1/2 cup Water, plus more as needed

For Tadka

Instructions 

  • Grind together all ingredients mentioned above for chutney. Add more water in small quantities as needed to assist in grinding and to get the desired consistency. Remove and set aside in a bowl.
  • Heat oil in a small pan and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add the urad dal.
  • Once the dal turns golden, add the asoefotida, dry red chili and curry leaves. Cook for about a minute until the curry leaves turn crispy. Then turn off heat.
  • Tadka is ready, pour it into the chutney immediately. Stir gently.
  • Chutney is ready to be served with idli or dosa.

Video

Notes

Vegan Variation: Use your favorite plant-based oil for tempering.
Gluten-free Variation: Omit the asafoetida or use gluten-free asafoetida.
Storing: You can keep this cilantro coconut chutney in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Or freeze it for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, adjust the thickness, and serve. 

Nutrition

Calories: 121kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 270mgPotassium: 112mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 394IUVitamin C: 64mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 1mg

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: South Indian
Diet: Gluten-free, Low Carb, Vegan
Tried this recipe?Mention @pipingpotcurry or tag #pipingpotcurry!

About Meeta

I strongly believe that each one of us has a chef inside us, we just need to explore the ingredients and create great food. My passion is to share easy, healthy, and wholesome recipes made using Instant Pot & Air Fryer, that are well tested, so you can cook with confidence.

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4 Comments

  1. Very delicious ! Thank you for this nice receipt witch is for everyone the best taste in our family !
    Your website have great photos and a nice description for you receipt ! Thank you for all and go on !

    1. I use roasted peanuts with the shell and skin removed. You can also use raw peanuts and dry roast them. Hope you enjoy the chutney!

  2. Looks delicious! Wondering what model Vitamix and size of jar you used.. does it grind small portions like Indian mixies? Thanks in advance!