Tomato Onion Chutney (Thakkali Vengayam Chutney)

This is another quick and easy chutney that tastes awesome. I've modified this from a recipe that I saw on www.pachakam.com. Tomato is the predominant flavor, which is accented by sweet onion, tangy tamarind, and the unique, earthy flavor of coriander seeds. It's the roasting of the coriander seeds and grinding them into the chutney that truly makes this a special dish!

So, if you've got minimal ingredients around and are in a fix, give this chutney a try. You'll be glad!

Ingredients:

Tomatoes - 3 medium plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped
Onion - 1 medium, coarsely chopped
Tamarind - small gooseberry size
Red chillies - 6-8, or to taste
Coriander seeds - 2 tbsp
Curry leaves - 1 sprig
Asafoetida - large pinch
Salt to taste

For seasoning:

Oil
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves - 5-6 leaves, torn

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add red chillies, fry until they've darkened, and remove.

2. In the same hot oil, add onions, curry leaves, coriander seeds, and fry until the onion is translucent.

3. Now, add the tomatoes and allow to soften slightly. Add asafoetida and turn off the heat.

4. Grind the cooled mixture with tamarind and salt.

5. At this point, do the seasoning with mustard and curry leaves and pour over ground chutney. Mix well and serve.

Enjoy this with idli, dosa, uthappam, or any tiffin items!