South Indian Tomato Chutney (Tomato Thokku)
25 minutes
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About South Indian Tomato Chutney (Tomato Thokku)
Tomato Thokku, a vibrant South Indian tomato chutney, is a flavor explosion! This easy recipe, inspired by a tomato bounty, creates a tangy and spicy condiment perfect for everyday meals.Bursting with the goodness of tomatoes, chilies, and aromatic spices, this chutney is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it with dosas, idlis, rotis, or even plain rice – the possibilities are endless!Its delightful balance of sweet and spicy makes it a perfect addition to any South Indian spread and the best part? It stores beautifully for days in the refrigerator.
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chutney Base
- 500 gm Tomatoes about 5 large tomatoes, pureed
- 4 tbsp Chili Powder red
- 2 tbsp Coriander Powder
- 4 tbsp Jaggery or 4 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
For the Tempering
- 3 tbsp Oil vegetable or coconut oil
- 1 tbsp Mustard Seeds rai
- 1 tbsp Cumin Seeds
- 5 Chilies dry
- 1 tsp Asafoetida hing
- 1 handful Curry Leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Tomato Puree
- Puree 5 large tomatoes until smooth.
Cook the Chutney Base
- Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a kadai (or heavy-bottomed pan). Add the tomato puree and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.
Add Spices and Sweetener
- Stir in the red chili powder, coriander powder, jaggery (or sugar), and salt. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes.
Make the Tempering
- In a small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds and allow them to splutter. Add the dry chilies, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Combine and Finish
- Pour the tempering into the tomato mixture and mix thoroughly. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Cool and Store
- Remove from heat and allow the chutney to cool completely. Transfer to a clean, airtight jar and store in the refrigerator. This will last for several days.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Tomato Chutney
- For a smoother chutney, strain the cooked tomato mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before adding the tempering.
- Adjust the amount of red chili powder to your preferred level of spiciness.
- If you don't have jaggery, granulated sugar works just as well. For a richer flavor, use brown sugar.
- For a richer, deeper flavor, add a teaspoon of tamarind paste along with the spices.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 104kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 5.4gSodium: 855mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
4 Comments
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This looks incredible! I need to try it.
I’m excited to try this recipe!
This looks divine! Can’t wait to make it.
This looks so inviting! I’m eager to try it.