Kerala Style Tomato Fry: A Flavorful Delight from God’s Own Country
Kerala, a land famous for its natural beauty and unique cuisine, brings forth this tantalizing Kerala Style Tomato Fry that promises to elevate your tastebuds. A quintessential dish from the region, this fry brings together the vibrant, tangy goodness of ripe tomatoes, a perfect mix of spices, and the aromatic flavors of curry leaves and mustard seeds. Simple yet robust in flavor, this Kerala Tomato Fry recipe is easy to make and pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, including rice, dosa, or even soft phulkas. It’s ideal for a quick dinner, a packed lunch box, or as an accompaniment to your favorite Kerala-style feast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavorful: The blend of spices and herbs delivers a delicious punch, making this dish a hit every time.
- Versatile: Goes well with rice, dosa, parathas, or neer dosa, making it a flexible addition to any meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 4, chopped (big pieces) |
| Oil | As required |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry Red Chillies (torn into pieces) | 3 |
| Curry leaves | 5 |
| Onions | 2, thinly sliced |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Green Chillies | 2, chopped |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 tablespoons, finely chopped |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
Instructions
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Heat the Oil: Start by heating oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. This ensures the spices are fried evenly, giving the dish a rich flavor.
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Crackle the Mustard Seeds: Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and dry red chillies to the pan. Let the mustard seeds crackle, which releases their natural aroma and flavor.
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Add Curry Leaves and Onions: Immediately follow with the curry leaves, chopped green chillies, and thinly sliced onions. Sauté everything for a minute until the onions begin to soften.
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Ginger Garlic Paste: Add the ginger garlic paste and sauté it well. Stir occasionally until the onions turn golden brown, which will take about 3-4 minutes.
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Spices for the Kick: Sprinkle in the Kashmiri red chilli powder and turmeric powder. Mix the spices into the onion-garlic mixture, letting them bloom and infuse the oil with rich color and aroma.
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Add Tomatoes: Now, it’s time to bring in the star of the dish – the tomatoes! Add the chopped tomatoes and stir to combine. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
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Season and Simmer: Add salt to taste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. You want the tomatoes to be soft and slightly caramelized for the best taste.
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Garnish & Serve: Turn off the heat and transfer the Kerala Style Tomato Fry to a serving bowl. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves for a fresh and fragrant finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Kerala Style Tomato Fry as a side dish with hot steamed rice or alongside Tomato Onion Sambar and Homemade Soft Idlis for a traditional Kerala breakfast. It also pairs wonderfully with Tawa Paratha or Neer Dosa for a simple, yet satisfying dinner.
This dish offers a flavorful journey to Kerala, bringing its iconic spices and fresh ingredients to your kitchen. Its tangy, spicy, and aromatic flavor makes it a must-try for anyone looking to explore the diverse and rich culinary heritage of Kerala.
