Khatti Meethi Falsa Chutney (Phalsa Chutney with Jaggery)

Name: Khatti Meethi Falsa Chutney (Phalsa Chutney with Jaggery)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1.5 Tsp Turmeric powder; 1 Tsp Red chili powder (adjust as per spice preference); 1 Tsp Regular Salt (to taste); 1 Tsp Pink Salt (kala namak); 1 Tbsp Chili Flakes (adjust as per spice preference); 2 Tbsp Fennel seeds (saunf); 1 Tbsp Cumin seeds (jeera); 1 Tbsp Nigella seeds (kalonji); 1 Cup Fresh falsa berries (phalsa); 5 Tbsp Jaggery sugar (can use other sweet substitutes); 2 Tbsp Mustard Oil (or use any light oil) * check notes; 1 Tbsp Vinegar (for preservation) ** check notes; 1/4 Cup Water (+ 2 tbsp more)

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Khatti Meethi Falsa Chutney (Phalsa Chutney): sweet, spicy, and tangy chutney using falsa/phalsa, jaggery sugar, fennel seeds (saunf), cumin seeds (zeera), chili flakes, turmeric and salt. Perfect with food, breads, salads and cheese platter too.

If you’re a fan of traditional Indian chutneys that perfectly balance sweet, spicy and tangy (khatta) flavors, you’re going to love this Khatti Meethi Falsa Chutney.

Made with fresh falsa berries, jaggery sugar, and aromatic spices, this chutney is an absolute ‘match made in heaven’ kinda pairing and ready in 15 minutes.

As Falsa is available for a very short period in summer (like a month or so), this chutney is a great way to preserve and enjoy the fruit for longer.

It pairs wonderfully with snacks like samosas, pakoras, or even as a tangy dip for grilled dishes/cheese boards or in salads too.

So, call it by name like ‘khatti meethi falsa chutney with jaggery‘, ‘sweet and tangy falsa chutney’, or ‘fennel cumin falsa chutney’, it’s surely gonna impress you every single time.

What is Falsa and Why this Jaggery Falsa Chutney ?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about Falsa or Phalsa (also spelled “faalsa”).

Falsa is a seasonal berry native to India, especially popular in Maharashtra and parts of Gujarat.

These small, dark purple berries have a sharp, tangy taste, with really tiny pits/seeds inside (you can chew them easily), making them ideal for chutneys, juices, and refreshing summer drinks.

It’s also rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, great for boosting immunity and digestion.

Jaggery is a traditional, unrefined sugar widely used in Indian cooking. It adds a rich, earthy sweetness that regular sugar cannot match.

When combined with the sourness of falsa and spices, jaggery creates a unique flavor profile that’s deeply satisfying.

Besides taste, jaggery has some nutritional advantages:

Contains iron, calcium, and magnesium.  
Helps in digestion.  
Acts as a natural detoxifier.

So, this khatti meethi falsa chutney with jaggery is not only flavorful but also a healthier alternative to sugary chutneys.

Their natural sourness from falsa is beautifully balanced when cooked with jaggery sugar and warm spices.

Ingredients for Khatti Meethi Falsa Chutney

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this mouthwatering, sweet, and tangy falsa chutney:

Fresh falsa berries
Jaggery sugar (adjust sweetness as per taste and can use other sweetness substitutes)
Red Chili Flakes
Fennel seeds (saunf)
Cumin seeds (jeera)
Nigella seeds (kalonji)
Turmeric powder
Red chili powder (adjust as per spice preference)
Salt (to taste) I’m using a mix of regular salt with pink salt (kala namak)
Mustard Oil (can use any light oil) + 1 tbsp smoked mustard oil extra for finishing the chutney
Vinegar (for preservation) can use lemon juice or citric acid powder, too
Water

How to Make Step-by-Step Khatti Meethi Phalsa Chutney:

Step 1: Saute the Spices
Place a saucepan on the medium heat.
Add mustard oil and let it reach the smoking point, and turn off the heat (Remove 1 tbsp of this oil to use later towards the end).
Add the whole spices and turn on the heat to medium.
Saute the spices for 20 seconds and lower the heat.

Step 2: Cook the Falsa Berries
Now, add the washed falsa berries and saute on medium heat.
Keep sauteing till the berry releases their own juices, and then smash them lightly using the back of the spatula (or you can use a potato masher).
Now add the powdered spices.
Mix well and simmer the chutney for another 5 minutes (on the lowest heat). The turmeric adds a warm color and subtle earthiness, while chili powder balances the sweetness with mild heat.

Step 3: Add Jaggery Sugar

Add jaggery sugar to the almost-cooked falsa.
Stir continuously until the jaggery melts completely and blends with the falsa juice.
The jaggery not only sweetens but also adds a rich, caramel-like depth to the chutney.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency and Taste
After the chutney has simmered for 2-3 minutes, it will thicken.
Now, add a little water to make it a little thinner (as once cooled the chutney will thicken up itself)
So, add the water as per your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust salt, jaggery, or chili according to preference of sweet, spicy and tangy.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Now, add the vinegar (or lime juice or citric acid as per choice of preservative) and mix well.
Now add the remaining 1 tbsp smoked mustard oil and give this chutney one final mix.
Let this bubble for 20 seconds and Turn-off the heat.
Now, let the chutney cool.
Then serve immediately or store in a sterile jar or container for later consumption.

This chutney tastes best at room temperature but can be refrigerated for up to a week. Serve it with your favorite Indian snacks or even use it as a dip for grilled vegetables or meats.

Tips for the Best Khatti Meethi Falsa Chutney

Use fresh falsa berries: Fresh berries give the best tangy flavor, but if unavailable, you can use frozen falsa, thawed before cooking.

Balance sweetness and sourness: Adjust jaggery quantity based on the natural tartness of your berries.

Spice level: You can increase or decrease chili powder to suit your heat tolerance.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Serving suggestion: This chutney is fantastic with fried snacks like samosas, pakoras, or even spread on sandwiches or wraps for a unique twist.

Why You’ll Love This Phalsa Chutney

Perfect balance of flavors: The sourness of falsa berries, sweetness of jaggery, and warmth from cumin and fennel seeds create an unforgettable taste.

Healthy and natural: Using jaggery sugar instead of refined sugar adds iron and minerals while keeping it wholesome.

Versatile condiment: Goes well with snacks, breakfast items, or even as a spread on sandwiches.

Easy to make at home: Requires minimal ingredients and simple steps.

Serving Ideas for Khatti Meethi Falsa Chutney

Here are some ways to enjoy this delicious chutney:

With Indian snacks: Serve as a dip with samosas, pakoras, bhajis, or kachori.
Breakfast spread: Spread on toasted bread or as a side with parathas or poori.
With grilled items: Use as a tangy dip for grilled chicken or paneer.
Mixed in yogurt: Add a spoonful to plain yogurt for a quick raita twist.
Salad dressing: Drizzle lightly over fresh salads for a sweet-sour punch.

FAQs About Sweet Tangy Berry Falsa Chutney

Can I use sugar instead of jaggery?
Yes, but jaggery adds a richer, more complex flavor and additional nutrients.

Is Falsa available year-round?
Falsa is seasonal, mostly available in summer. You can find frozen falsa in some stores off-season.

How long does the chutney last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 7 days.

Can I make this chutney spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the chili powder or add fresh green chilies while cooking.

Khatti Meethi Falsa Chutney is a delightful condiment that combines the natural tanginess of falsa berries with the warm sweetness of jaggery and the aromatic punch of fennel, cumin, turmeric, and chili.

This traditional Indian chutney is easy to make, healthy, and incredibly versatile.

Whether you want to elevate your snack time or add a unique flavor boost to your meals, this sweet and tangy falsa chutney is the perfect recipe to try.

Remember to adjust the spices and jaggery to suit your taste buds, and enjoy this burst of authentic Indian flavor.

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Yield: 1 Medium Bowl Chutney