Tomato chutney/ thakkali thokku/ Spicy tomato dip

    Thakkali (Tomato) thokku  is a spicy chutney which will definitely hit it off with Idly. This is the side dish my mom used to make for overnight train travel and so has a nostalgic feeling to me. This chutney can survive hot climate for a long time just like achaar (pickle) without any additional refrigeration.

Serves up to 3 people
Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:


3 large tomato
2 tsp of red chilly powder
1 tsp of coriander powder
pinch of turmeric
1 tbsp of sesame oil
salt as required


For seasoning:

1/2 tsp of mustard

Preparation:

1. Chop the tomatoes and add the other ingredients(except oil and the seasoning) together and grind them in to a paste.
2.Heat oil in the pan and add the tomato paste.Saute well till the tomato paste starts to thicken. Switch off the flame.

3.Fry the mustard in oil and  add to the tomato chutney. Serve this spicy chutney with any tiffin varieties.

Carrot chutney

  I know sometimes it can be boring to try the same old side dishes for idly/ dosai. Carrot chutney can be a really good alternative.  I also figured that by making this chutney I can make my kids get their veggies in the diet.

Serves up to 3 people
Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 red onion                          
3 carrots
3-4 red chillies
1 tbsp of urad dhal
cherry-sized tamarind 
1/2 tsp of mustard
1/2 tbsp of sesame oil
salt as required


Preparation:

1. Heat 1 tsp of oil in the pan and add urad dhal to the pan. Roast the dhal till it turns golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
2.Add the chopped onion and red chillies to the pan, saute for 2 minutes and then add grated carrot to the pan. Saute well for another 2 minutes. 
3.Allow to cool and then grind  the sauteed ingredients with salt and tamarind together in to a smooth paste.
4.Carrot chutney is ready. Heat 1 tsp of oil and add the mustard. As it sputters, transfer the seasoning to the chutney.