Tomato Onion Chutney Recipe
Description:
Tomato Onion Chutney, also known as Thakkali Vengayam in South India, is a simple and flavorful chutney made with ripe tomatoes, small onions, and green chilies. It’s a versatile side dish that can be paired with popular South Indian breakfasts like idli, dosa, or even enjoyed with regular meals. The key ingredient here is sesame oil, which imparts a distinct flavor that enhances the overall taste. The chutney is aromatic, tangy, and slightly spicy, making it a delicious accompaniment to a variety of dishes.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 4, chopped |
| Small onions | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Green chili | 1, slit |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon (optional) |
| Turmeric powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sesame oil | 1 tablespoon (or any oil) |
| Salt | To taste |
| For tempering (Tadka): | |
| Sesame oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Split urad dal (White) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 4 leaves |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Instructions
-
Sauté the Onions:
In a pan or kadai, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the chopped small onions and sauté them until they become soft and translucent. This step releases their natural sweetness and flavor. -
Cook the Tomatoes:
Once the onions are soft, add the chopped tomatoes, slit green chili, salt, asafoetida (hing), and turmeric powder to the pan. Stir the mixture well, and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the tomatoes become soft and mushy. -
Cool and Grind:
Turn off the heat and allow the tomato-onion mixture to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a blender or mixer grinder and blend it to a smooth or slightly coarse consistency, depending on your preference. -
Prepare the Tempering:
In a separate small tempering pan, heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves. Sauté for about 20 seconds until the mustard seeds splutter and the urad dal turns golden brown. -
Combine:
Pour the tempering into the ground chutney and mix well. The tempering adds a fragrant aroma and a crunchy texture, elevating the chutney’s flavor. -
Serve:
Your delicious Tomato Onion Chutney is now ready to serve! Enjoy it with crispy dosa, idli, or even with hot rice and ghee for a satisfying meal.
Serving Tip:
Tomato Onion Chutney pairs wonderfully with a variety of South Indian breakfast items, such as ghee-roasted dosa or soft idlis. For an authentic South Indian meal experience, serve it with a steaming cup of filter coffee.
This chutney is not just a perfect side dish for idlis and dosas but also works as a flavorful addition to sandwiches, wraps, or even as a dipping sauce for snacks. The combination of the slightly sweet small onions and the tangy tomatoes, enhanced by the bold flavor of sesame oil, makes this chutney irresistible. Perfect for those who love experimenting with rich, aromatic chutneys that can transform any meal into a delightful experience.
