Vengayam Thakkali Thokku Chunky Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe

There’s something truly magical about transforming humble tomatoes and spices into a vibrant, flavor-packed chutney that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Let me take you on a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds want to dance!

Creating vibrant chutneys that elevate any meal is one of my favorite things to do, and my Vengayam Thakkali Thokku—an onion-tomato chutney, though a far cry from your typical tomato or onion chutney—is no exception. The flavors of curry leaves and the heat from dried red chilies work wonderfully with the ripe tomatoes and finely chopped onions to make a nutritious meal.

I love the addition of tamarind paste to give it just the right level of delightful tanginess that gets me excited over the earthy flavors of urad and chana dal.

Vengayam Thakkali Thokku Chunky Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe Ingredients

• Mustard Seeds: These tiny seeds add a nutty flavor and contain antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Urad Dal: Rich in protein and fiber, they also provide a creamy texture to the chutney.
• Dried Red Chilies: Provide heat and spice, boosting metabolism and adding vibrant flavor.
• Tomatoes: Packed with vitamin C and lycopene, they give the chutney a tangy and sweet taste.
• Curry Leaves: Aromatic and fresh, they aid in digestion and enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
• Turmeric Powder: Known for anti-inflammatory properties, it gives the chutney a warm color and adds depth.
• Tamarind Paste: Offers a sour tanginess, balancing the chutney’s sweetness and enhances its complexity.

Vengayam Thakkali Thokku Chunky Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 3 tablespoons oil (sesame or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal
• 1 teaspoon chana dal
• 2 dried red chilies, broken into pieces
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 large ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon jaggery or sugar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste or lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves

How to Make this Vengayam Thakkali Thokku Chunky Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe

1. In a large pan, over medium heat, warm 3 tablespoons of oil.

2. Include 1 teaspoon mustard seeds in the hot oil and permit them to pop.

3. Add 1 teaspoon each of urad dal and chana dal, and fry them until they turn golden brown.

4. Add 2 dried red chilies and a sprig of curry leaves, and quickly sauté until fragrant.

5. Add 2 large onions, finely chopped, to the pan and cook until they are soft and translucent.

6. Incorporate 3 very finely chopped ripe tomatoes and let them simmer until they’re completely broken down and the mixture is as thick as you’d like.

7. Include 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly and ensure a few additional minutes of cooking time.

8. If you wish, you can balance the flavors by adding 1 teaspoon of jaggery or sugar.

9. Combine 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste or lemon juice with the sauce and cook until thickened. The mixture should reach a thick chutney consistency before you stop cooking.

10. Before serving, top it off with 2 tablespoons of chopped, fresh coriander leaves. Then, enjoy this chutney’s explosive flavors with any of the following:

– Rice
– Dosa
– Roti

Vengayam Thakkali Thokku Chunky Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pan
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Bowl (for chopped ingredients)
7. Small plate or bowl (for spices and dals)
8. Serving bowl

FAQ

• Can I use any type of oil?Indeed, both sesame and vegetable oils can be utilized according to one’s individual tastes.
• Is there a substitute for tamarind paste?Lemon juice can substitute tamarind paste when you need a sour flavor.
• Can I skip jaggery or sugar?You can omit the jaggery or sugar if you would like a less sweet chutney.
• What’s the best way to store this dish?Keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will last for up to a week.
• Is it necessary to use both onions and tomatoes?Both ingredients are absolutely essential to obtaining the right balance of flavors in the chutney.
• Can this chutney be made less spicy?You can lessen the spiciness by cutting down the dried red chilies or eliminating them altogether and by using less red chili powder.
• How do I serve this chutney?It goes well with rice, dosa, idli, or as a sandwich spread.

Vengayam Thakkali Thokku Chunky Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use olive oil or sunflower oil instead of sesame oil.
Cumin seeds can be used instead of mustard seeds if you don’t have them on hand.
Use split mung dal, or mung beans, instead of urad dal, if necessary.
Substitute fresh green chilies for dried red chilies.
Substitute tamarind paste for apple cider vinegar or lime juice.

Pro Tips

1. For extra depth of flavor, toast the mustard seeds until they start to pop fully before adding the dals. This ensures they release their full aroma and taste.

2. If you want a smoother chutney, consider blending the cooked chutney slightly. This will create a more uniform texture while still retaining the ground dals’ crunch.

3. If you prefer a smokier flavor, lightly char the tomatoes over an open flame before chopping them. This adds a unique twist and depth to the chutney.

4. Adjust the level of heat by controlling the amount of red chili powder and using fresh chili peppers instead of, or alongside, the dried chilies for additional heat.

5. To enhance the tangy flavor, try using fresh tamarind pulp instead of paste. Soak a small ball of tamarind in warm water, extract the pulp, and use it as the souring agent in place of the paste or lemon juice.