TOMATO THOKKU / SOUTH INDIAN STYLE TOMATO PRESERVE - Hassle-free 2 step recipe - No Onion/No Garlic

Tomato Thokku - A South Indian style Tomato preserve is a facile and frequently prepared dish in our kitchen. Too many tomatoes lying around ripening? Not to worry about wastage.  There are N - number of products that you can make out of it and this preserve is one such painless option.

There are just 2 steps involved. 
1. Grind all ingredients
2. Cook until the preserve condenses in volume. Done.

Yes! Its that easy. 

Preparation time: 5 min
Cooking time: 15-20 min
Spice level: Your choice
Difficulty level: Very easy
Cuisine: South Indian
Serves: 4
Source: MIL

INGREDIENTS

• 6-7 big ripe tomatoes
• 6-7 red chillies (increase the numbers for a spicier version)
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
• Crystal salt
• a generous sprinkle of asafoetida
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 20 ml sesame oil
• 1 tsp jaggery

METHOD

• Grind together Tomatoes, Chillies, turmeric powder, fenugreek seeds, asafoetida and salt to make a smooth paste.
• Heat sesame oil in a Kadai or saucepan and pop the mustard seeds. Add tomato paste, jaggery and cook on medium flame until it condenses in volume and the oil surfaces.Turn off the heat.

NOTES

• Pulse the dry ingredients first before grinding the tomatoes.
• As the Thokku/ Preserve condenses in volume, it starts splashing droplets of moisture/paste around. So, stand back to save your hands and face. But continue sauteing.
• Serve this Thokku with Idlis, Dosas, Chapathis, Pooris, Rice or even with toasted bread.
• Since this is a Saatvik version its ideal for consumption even on festive occasions.