Thakkali Kai Kootu

How to make Thakkali Kai (UnripeTomato) Kootu

          

       Thakkali kootu is a common south indian accompaniment, that is usually served with steamed white rice or a meal platter on festive occasions. My first venture with the green tomatoes were years ago; when bought a pound of these beauties & had no idea what to do with them. So I tried making the same dish with unripe tomatoes & loved it even more, because of the sourness that these green tomatoes impart to it. 

       This is a great way to use the bountiful yield of tomatoes from your garden. The tomatoes you see in the pictures are from our patio garden. If you have been hesitant of cooking with green tomatoes, now is your chance, to try this simple & delicious recipe. Use the same recipe with ripened tomatoes (scroll down for the pic), if you don't have green tomatoes at hand & enjoy!

Ingredients

Cooked Red Gram Dal  - 1/2 cup

Tomatoes - 3 + 3 chopped into slices

Salt

Oil - 1 Tbsp

Mustard seeds - 1/2 Tsp

Turmeric Powder - A pinch

Curry Leaves - a couple

Coriander leaves - 1 Tbsp chopped

Jeera/Cumin seeds - 1 Tsp

Green Chillies - 3 slit

Grated fresh Coconut - 2 Tbsp

Stove Top Method:

• Mash the cooked Dal and set aside. 
• Heat oil on a medium flame - add the Cumin seeds, slit green chillies and sliced green tomatoes & fry until you get a good aroma. Remove from heat & let it cool a little.
• When it has cooled enough, add the fresh coconut to it & grind to a smooth paste.
• In a pan, add the Mustard seeds in hot oil & wait until it splutters. Next add the curry leaves followed by, sliced tomatoes, turmeric powder, salt and the mashed Dal.
• When the tomatoes are cooked, add the ground paste & boil till the raw flavor is gone.
• Check seasoning & serve hot with a South Indian Platter or steamed white rice.