Tomato chutney is all about the flavors - tangy, slightly sweet and the heat - all that you can ask for in a perfect South Indian chutney. The best side-kick to your breakfast dishes like Dosa, Idli and Akki Roti.
Back in my in-law's house in Kerala, a typical breakfast is all about dosa and chutney. Kerala, being the land of coconuts, the chutney would invariably be prepared using freshly grated coconut. Dosa features regularly in my breakfast menu. I not only make coconut chutney, but also try to include different styles of chutneys.
After coconut chutney, I can guarantee that my family's favorite dip is, the tomato chutney - which is so simple - that I cannot even call it a "recipe". Just saute the ingredients together, blend away and you have the chutney ready.
I use the simplest of ingredients in this recipe for tomato chutney. Fresh ripe tomatoes are the key. Last year my neighbor gave us some home-grown tomatoes and I used some of them in this nadan style meen curry (Kerala style fish curry) and the rest of the tomatoes to prepare tomato chutney.
I must say that home-grown tomatoes makes it even better.
I tried vegetable gardening a couple of years back. That was a complete disaster. Since I have an infamous green thumb (the only plants in my vegetable patch are mint and weeds), I depend on store brought tomatoes. But if you are the person who has a vegetable patch and grow tomatoes, you should try this recipe with those home grown jewels.
The tempering is a MUST in the recipe. I add some udad dal while tempering and this adds a nice crunch to the chutney which we L-O-V-E.
(Indian) Ingredients for the Tomato Chutney
There are some typical Indian ingredients that are used in the recipe. if you are not familiar with them, these amazon links should give you an idea about the ingredients.
- Udad Dal
- Black Mustard Seeds
- Fresh Curry Leaves - I love using fresh curry leaves. But sometimes it is difficult to get fresh leaves every time, buy some (extra) fresh leaves when you come by them. Wash, dry and store them in your refrigerator. Use as needed.
You can serve this delicious tomato chutney with plain dosa, idli, akki roti etc.
Tomato Chutney
Ingredients
- 1 small about 75 grams onion; roughly chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes ; roughly chopped I used Roma tomatoes
- 2 teaspoon Paprika powder/Indian red chili powder adjust to taste
- ½ - 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper optional; adjust to taste
- 2 teaspoon oil
- Salt to taste
For Tempering
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon udad dal
- 5-6 curry leaves
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel, wash, and roughly chop the onion.
- Wash and roughly chop the tomatoes.
Cooking
- Heat oil over medium-high heat in a small frying pan. Add onions and saute till it starts to brown.
- Add paprika and Cayenne pepper and saute for a couple of minutes.
- Add tomatoes and fry till the tomatoes are cooked well.
- Remove from heat. Let it cool for a little while before blending.
- Using a blender, blend the tomato-onion mix till smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl
Tempering
- Heat oil in a tadka pan (or any small pan) over medium heat and splutter the mustard seeds. Add the urad dal and let it brown. Add the curry leaves. Remove from heat.
- Pour the hot oil along with the spices into the tomato chutney.
- Serve.
srividhya says
These chutneys are life savers na.. Love the way you presented. Very nice.
Framed Recipes says
Thanks a lot Srividhya. These chutneys are indeed lifesavers and tasty.
Geethu Thomas says
Adding 2-3 cloves of garlic while sauteing Onions will give an extra taste... My favorite side dish for idlis...Yummm
Framed Recipes says
Thank you Geethu for the idea. Will definitely try adding garlic cloves next time.
Aish says
A staple condiment for me. Love your post, Sree!
Framed Recipes says
Aish, could not agree more. Simple and fresh ingredients do make the best dishes. Thanks you so much stopping by.
Meera Seetharaman says
Beautiful post Sreelatha. I love shallot/onion(Indian variety) chutney. It is sweet, tangy and spicy. Love to have it with soft idlies and dash of sesame oil.
Framed Recipes says
Thanks Meera. Ooh that onion chutney tastes heavenly with soft pillow-y idlis.
Sowmya says
The most simple yet powerful Chutney in my opinion. Looking bright and lovely Sree.
Framed Recipes says
Very well said Sowmya. Thanks so much.
Meena Kumar says
Love all kinds of chutneys with the tomato chutney I add a handful of roasted peanuts too as I love the nutty tangy flavors together.
Framed Recipes says
Thank you so much Meena. Next time, I am going to sneak in some peanuts too.
Ramya says
Simple and nice..will definitely try this out...I end up making the same monotonous coconut chutney for dosa and idli... thankyou for sharing....
Framed Recipes says
Sure Ramya. Try it. I am sure you will like it.