Hari Chutney Spaghetti

Hari Chutney Spaghetti

4 servings
In the time it takes to bring a large pot of water to a boil, you can make a batch of herby, bright and spicy green chutney, also known as hari chutney (hari means “green” in Hindi). When combined with Parmesan, butter and pasta water, the chutney transforms into a silky, tangy sauce that clings perfectly to pasta. This chutney is a classic South Asian cilantro-based version, but feel free to incorporate other tender herbs like dill, mint or basil.

Ingredients

  • kosher salt

    such as diamond crystal

  • bunch cilantro

    leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped

    1 large
  • green serrano chile

    roughly chopped, deseeded to reduce the heat if desired

    1
  • garlic cloves
    4
  • lemon

    juiced, 3 to 4 tablespoons

    1 large
  • spaghetti
    1 lb
  • butter

    cubed

    4 tbsp
  • finely grated parmesan

    plus more for serving

    ½ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, add cilantro, chile, garlic, lemon juice and 1 teaspoon salt to a blender or small food processor. Blitz until smooth, adding water by the tablespoonful as needed to help the blending. (You should have between ¾ cup to 1 cup of chutney.)

  3. 3

    Add spaghetti to the boiling water, toss with tongs, and cook until nearly al dente, 8 to 9 minutes. Just before draining, reserve 1 cup pasta water. Drain pasta and transfer it back to the pot.

  4. 4

    Over low heat, add the butter, Parmesan, green chutney and ¼ cup pasta water to the pasta and toss vigorously until everything is combined and the sauce clings to the noodles, adding more pasta water as needed to form a silky sauce.

  5. 5

    Taste for salt, adjusting to preference, and serve immediately with more Parmesan.

Hari Chutney Spaghetti

Hari Chutney Spaghetti

4.0(96)50 min4 servings404 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
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Based on 96 ratings

cooking.nytimes.com
4.0(96 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Tired of the same old weeknight pasta? This Hari Chutney Spaghetti offers a vibrant, unexpected twist that's as quick to prepare as it is utterly delicious, bringing a fresh perspective to your dinner table.

The magic lies in the fresh hari chutney—a bright, herby, and spicy green sauce that comes together in mere minutes, often in the time it takes to boil water for your spaghetti. When emulsified with rich, cubed butter, finely grated Parmesan, and a touch of starchy pasta water, the chutney transforms into a silky, tangy sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of spaghetti.

Prepare for a symphony of fresh flavors: vibrant cilantro, a zesty kick from generous lemon juice, and a gentle warmth from the serrano chile. The sauce is beautifully balanced, light yet incredibly satisfying, and ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. You'll love how this dish feels both comforting and exhilarating, a delightful departure from heavier cream sauces, offering a refreshing pasta experience that's naturally full of bright, complex notes.

This versatile dish welcomes your personal touch. While a classic cilantro-based hari chutney shines, feel free to incorporate other tender herbs like dill, mint, or basil for a different aromatic profile. For those sensitive to heat, remember to deseed the serrano chile entirely before chopping to temper its spice. You can also adjust the amount of Parmesan to your liking, adding more for an extra cheesy finish.

Perfect for a quick, easy weeknight dinner, this Hari Chutney Spaghetti also makes an impressive yet effortless main course for casual gatherings. Serve it simply, perhaps with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top, allowing the vibrant green hue and bold flavors to truly shine.

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