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MAKES ABOUT 1 CUP

The word chutney is derived from the Hindi term chatni, "to lick", referring, probably, to the fact that they're good enough to lick up.

3 tbsp. golden raisins
1⁄2 cup Tamarind Extract
1⁄2 cup sugar
1 tsp. garam masala
1⁄4 tsp. ground cayenne
3⁄4 tsp. salt
1 ripe but firm banana

1. Put raisins into a bowl and cover with hot water; set aside to let plump up for 1 hour, then drain.

2. Put raisins, tamarind extract, sugar, garam masala, cayenne, and salt into a nonreactive bowl and stir well. Peel and cut banana into 1⁄4" cubes (or, alternatively, slice it thinly) and gently fold them into the chutney.

This article was first published in Saveur in Issue #98