A spicy condiment made from fruits, vegetables, vinegar, and spices. Originally from Indian cuisine, now popular worldwide as an accompaniment to various dishes.
From Hindi चटनी (chaṭnī) meaning 'to lick', derived from the verb चाटना (chāṭnā) 'to lick' because of its intensely flavorful taste that makes you want to lick your fingers. The word entered English in the 18th century through British colonial exposure to Indian cuisine.
Chutney literally means 'to lick' because it's so delicious you want to lick every bit off your fingers! British colonials became so obsessed with these flavor-packed condiments that they started making their own versions, creating the sweet fruit chutneys popular in English cuisine today.
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