Tomato Thokku
Bursting with bold South Indian flavors, Tomato Thokku is a tangy, spicy tomato-based condiment that's as versatile as it is delicious. Made with ripe tomatoes, aromatic curry leaves, and tempered spices like mustard seeds, asafoetida, and fenugreek, this dish strikes the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet, thanks to the optional addition of jaggery. The tamarind paste adds a delightful tanginess, while sesame oil enhances the depth of flavor. Perfect as a side for rice, idli, dosa, or even as a spread on toast, this homemade Tomato Thokku is a pantry-friendly delight that's quick to prepare and a true embodiment of comforting South Indian cuisine. Plus, it stores well, making it a great option for meal prepping.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 medium Ripe tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons Sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 0.5 teaspoon Asafoetida (hing)
- 10 leaves Curry leaves
- 2 teaspoons Red chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Tamarind paste
- 1 teaspoon Jaggery (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon Fenugreek seeds
- 2 whole Dried red chilies
Instructions
Wash the ripe tomatoes thoroughly and chop them into small pieces.
Heat a pan over medium heat and dry roast the fenugreek seeds and dried red chilies until aromatic. Remove from heat, let them cool, and grind them into a fine powder. Set aside.
In the same pan, heat sesame oil on medium heat. Once hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
Add asafoetida and curry leaves to the pan. Stir briefly for a few seconds.
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and stir well. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes reduce and become mushy.
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the tomatoes. Mix well and cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the spices to blend in.
Stir in the tamarind paste and jaggery (if using) and cook for 5 more minutes, ensuring the mixture thickens and oil begins to separate.
Add the roasted fenugreek and red chili powder blend to the mixture. Stir well to combine, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
Turn off the heat and let the Tomato Thokku cool slightly before storing in an airtight container.
Serve as a side dish with rice, idli, dosa, or chapati, or use as a spread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
594 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.8 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.3 g | 32% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 17.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4769 mg | 207% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.3 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.5 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.1 g | ||
| Protein | 9.6 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 137 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 6.2 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 2082 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
