Tomato-Onion Thokku (Pickle/Relish)

I am a huge fan of this very simple but extremely tasty pickle/side dish/thokku , my mother-in-law makes ! With minimal ingredients and a no-fuss cooking, this pickle has a special place in my home. With adequate oil (always use sesame oil -it helps in retaining freshness and adds immense taste), it has a good shelf-life when refrigerated!

What goes:-

• Tomatoes  - 5 to 6 (medium sized) - washed & pureed
• Onion - 2 to 3 (medium sized) - pureed
• Sesame Oil - 5 to 6 tbsp
• Mustard , Urad Dal - 1 tbsp
• Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
• Salt - to taste
• Red Chilli Powder - to taste

How:-

In a thick bottomed pan add 3-4 tbsp of sesame oil and as it becomes warm allow mustard and urad dal to splutter. Now add the pureed tomatoes and onions and a cup of water and bring it to a boil. Lower the flame and allow it to cook and let go off the rawness with the lid closed. Once it thickens considerably add salt, turmeric powder and red chili powder. Further add a tablespoon or two of sesame oil and let it simmer till it reaches the required consistency and starts leaving the sides. Switch off flame and it is ready for use.

Serve with rice, rotis or use it as a sandwich-spread ! Store in a dry container and refrigerate for future use.

Enjoy !

Sending it to Sanyuktha's CWF-Tomato event announcement by Kiran