If you are a lover of chaat (Indian street food), you will know that no chaat is complete with the Khatti Meethi Imli Chutney (sweet & tangy tamarind chutney). Typically it’s made with soaking tamarind in the water. After the tamarind is soft enough it’s strained to collect the tamarind pulp. The pulp is then sweetened with jaggery, dates or sugar and is cooked until the quantity reduces to half. Typically spices like red chilli powder (paprika), roasted cumin seeds & himalayan salt are also added to this chutney. In most Indian households, a big batch of this chutney is prepared and stored in the refrigerator for days together. Why, you wonder? Think if it like an equivalent to ketchup or more so the Indian ketchup. We can use it on anything and everything, it’s not just limited to chaat. There are two things I cannot have without this chutney at any given point in time, Aloo Chaat & Samosas. For more chaat where you can use this chutney, click here. So if you are thinking why I am posting a recipe of a chutney if it is already so simple to make. Well guess what? The Guava chutney recipe that I am about to share with you is even more simpler. Sweet (meethi chutney) cannot get easier than this. I still remember when I had just moved to the US from India I was still following the above method to make Sweet Chutney. My sister also moved to the US a couple years later and thanks to her for introducing me to this easy peasy Sweet Chutney. Ever since I prefer making this preparation of chutney rather than the traditional one. BTW, guess what, often times during parties I have made this chutney and my guests haven’t even realized I haven’t made it using tamarind, jaggery or dates.
So according to Wikipedia guava paste or Goiabada happens to be a popular dessert in Portugese speaking countries. No wonders I have often found myself just relishing those small pieces of Goiaba. Goiabada dates back to the early days of Portuguese colonization of Brazil as a way to preserve fresh fruit, and under refrigeration it has a very long shelf life. In the US, I have typically found it available in ethnic markets like Asian Grocery Stores or Indian Stores under the Goya or Iberia brand. If you come across goiabada when haunting these ethnic markets, pick some up and pop it in the refrigerator. It may be a lifesaver sometime when you find yourself needing a quick dessert. So what do you think? Easier than the traditional Date and Tamarind Chutney or no? If you land up trying the guava chunks or this recipe, don’t forget to send us you pictures on Instagram and tag us. Or drop in your review on our Facebook page. Check out our Pinterest boards for all the healthy eating inspiration you’ll ever need.
