Tomato Thokku / Thakkali Thokku

This is a recipe that I learnt when I was in college. My friend Suganya used to bring it to hostel whenever she goes home.Once I got to taste it and I liked it.I asked her what it was.She immediately called her grandma who made it and she was kind enough to share the recipe over phone.

I call this recipe "multi- talented" as it pairs equally well with idli, dosa, chapathi, poori, upma, bread and curd rice. I like to have it with poori. This is suited for travel as it stays good for 1-2 days depending on the climate. Most of my solo train journeys have been accompanied by chapathi and this thokku and i have so many memories related to this dish.

What you will need:

• Tomato- 1/2 kg

• Garlic- 10 pearls

• Red chilli powder- 2 tsp

• Oil- 1 tbsp

• Mustard seeds- 1/2 tsp

• Urad dal- 1 tsp

• Salt- as needed

How to:

1. Add garlic into mixie jar. Pulse once or twice.Cut tomatoes into two or four. Add tomatoes. Grind it into fine paste.

                     

2.Heat oil in a pan. Add musatrd seeds. Let it splutter. Add urad dal.

 

3.When urad dal turns golden in colour, add ground paste, chilli powder and salt.

 

4.Close with lid. Let it cook till it reaches the consistency of thokku. Stir in between.This will take around 20 - 25 mins.

 

When it cools down store it in an air tight container and have it with any tiffin item you like.

P.S:

• This is a simple version of thakkali thokku that doesn't use tamarind. So it does not have a long shelf life.
• Adjust the quantity of chilli powder according to your preference.