Thakkali kuzhambu / Tomato Gravy

Ingredients

Onions-2

Green chilly-1

Big Tomatoes-3

Red chillies -6 (adjust to your spice level)

Cumin seeds-1teaspoon

Coriander seeds-1teaspoons

Channa dhal-1teaspoon

Fresh coconut-2to3tablespoons

Mustard seeds-1/2teaspoon

Turmeric powder-1/8teaspoons

Oil

Salt

Cilantro to garnish

Method

Chop one onion and the tomatoes finely.

Heat oil in a pan, add the Chana dhal. Once the dhal turns golden in color, add in the coriander &cumin seeds. Let them crackle.

Now add the red chillies and onion, fry till the onions become transparent. Add the tomatoes n cook till they become soft and mushy.

Finally add the coconut,fry for a minute and let it cool completely.

Grind it into a fine past by adding enough water.

Cut the remaining onion, green chilly into thin slices. Heat oil and add the mustard seeds. After they crackle add the onion-green chilly slices,fry till the onions slightly turn in color.

Add the ground masala and a cup of water..you can add or reduce the water according to the desired gravy consistency. Add the turmeric powder,salt and let the gravy boil for 7-8 minutes on medium heat.

Reduce the heat to low and cook for 4-5 minutes, and put-off the flame. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve it with idli/dosa or white rice.

Back home Mom makes the masala in the stone grinder(aattukkal), and the kuzhambu will be a yummy accomplishment for our hot delicious breakfast..sending this recipe to Gayathri's "Walk Through Memory Lane event"