Tomato Curry (Kongu Special - Thakkali Vathakiyathu)

Category:  Kuzhambu Varieties / Lunch

Preparation Time: 10 mins  

Cooking Time: 30 mins 

Servings: 3-4 servings

Kongu Special - Thakkali Vathakiyathu!

Tomato Curry, usually called as "Thakkali Vathakiyathu" in our Kongu Region is a very tasty one with minimal ingredients. We love to have with hot rice, Idly, Dosa and Paniyaram and it also tastes yummy with curd rice:) 

This recipe doesnot involve any spice powders and Well ripe Tomatoes and small onions are the important ingredients for the authentic flavour and taste. Though it looks simple, it tastes great!!!! We can also add freshly grated coconut at the end for an additional flavour:)

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes, well ripen - 5-6 nos, finely chopped
• Small Onions - 10-20 nos, chopped
• Garlic - 10-12 cloves, finely chopped
• Green chillies - 2-3 nos, halved (adjust as per spice level)
• Oil - 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Urad dhal, split - 1 tsp
• Curry leaves - 1-2 sprigs
• Turmeric powder - a generous pinch
• Salt - to taste
• Freshly grated coconut - 2 tbsp (Optional)

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan, once it becomes hot add the mustard seeds followed by Urad dhal and curry leaves, saute for 30 secs
   
2. Add green chillies and onions saute for 1 min
   
3. Now add the finely chopped garlic and saute for another 2 mins
   
4. Add the finely chopped tomato pieces and mix well
   
5. Add turmeric powder along with required salt and cook covered till the tomato pieces get cooked well (Dont add any water)
6. Once it gets cooked, saute for another few mins till all the juice from the tomato gets evaporated and it reaches a thick consistency, then switch it off
   
7. If adding coconut, we need to saute them little more till it becomes little dry and add coconut and switch it off
8. Serve hot with Plain rice, Idly, Dosa or Paniyaram or just with curd rice:)