Chutney or ‘chatni’ is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘for licking’ or savouring which is precisely its purpose at the dinner table together with the other dishes at a meal. This chutney is made with coconut, the basis for almost every recipe in coastal India. It can also be used as a sandwich spread. Skinned split black lentils are matt, small oval shaped lentils and are actually creamy white in colour.