"Thakkali Pachadi" is a delicious and tangy South Indian tomato-based condiment, commonly served with rice, dosas, idlis, or chapatis. It is part of a broader category of dishes called "pachadi," which in South Indian cuisine refers to a traditional side dish similar to chutneys or raita in North Indian cuisine but typically uses coconut, mustard seeds, and yogurt. Thakkali Pachadi specifically uses tomatoes as the main ingredient.

Tomato pachadi is a tangy and spicy side dish made with ripe tomatoes, spices, and herbs. It's typically served as a side dish with rice, idli, dosa, or chapati. The tomatoes are cooked until soft and then seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, red chili, and other spices. It adds a burst of flavor to any meal!

Ingredients

5 tomatoes chopped

1 tosp sesame oil

3-5 green chilies

Big handful of coriander leaves

Few curry leaves

1 tosp coriander seeds

1/2 tsp methi seeds

1 small piece of Tamrind Pinch of turmeric powder

Pinch of asafoetida powder

Salt

For tempering

1 tosp sesame oil

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp split udad dal

2 red chilies

Few curry leaves

Method

• Roughly chop tomatoes

• Add sesame oil to a pan , let it heat up , add the coriander seeds, methi seeds , few curry leaves . Sauté till it becomes aromatic .

• Add the green chilies , chopped tomatoes , turmeric powder,salt , asafoetida powder , cover and cook till mushy .

• Add the chopped coriander leaves just before removing from heat .

• Cool and grind to a smooth paste without adding water .

• Add a tempering of sesame oil , spluttered mustard seeds , split udad dal , red chilies and few curry leaves.

• Pour over prepared pachadi .

• For longer shelf life , sautee the pachadi in 2 tbsp sesame oil for 2 minutes .

• This will make it thicker and last for a fortnight.

• Serve as a delicious side dish with idlis , chapatis , dosa or Pongal .