Thakkali Kuzhambu / Tomato Kuzhambu / Tomato Stew

           Thakkali Kuzhambu is an interesting and perfect side dish for Idly/Dosa/Appam variety. And this is one of my Dad's favorite kuzhambu. As today is Father's Day i would like to share some words about my father. I can say that i never seen a person like him without Jealousy, Greedy, Vengeance, Talking ill about others and so many good qualities. For Him,everything was his Brother,though he was cheated and ignored by his brother in Business. He never gets angry or aversion to his Anna...He always says its all my mistake to believe and Depend on him fully. After his business loss we struggled a lot to come up in life,

I learned many things from Him..How to be and how not to be..My Dad was very much attached to his mom, but she Passed away when he was 7 yrs old. He was brought up by his eldest Brother who also Expired when i was 2nd standard :( My Dad Cook very well since his mom was not there with him..he learned cooking by himself with some neighbors' support. He only used to cook for his brothers and Dad. He doesn't know any special or great recipes only very few items but the taste are unique and delicious. Sometimes my Mom go out to attend relatives' function during our school days, that time He cook for us..i like His thakkali kuzhambu and kathirikkai masiyal a lot. Wish to recreate his recipes soon :)
            Coming to the recipe,this thakkali kuzhambu is not his recipe but his favorite one. He loves this a lot with Idly/Dosa. Even this is favorite for many you  right?? I made this kuzhambu for the first time after my marriage :o surprised ahh?? yes becoz my hubby dear doesn't like Tomato kuzhambu...but few days back i made this kuzhambu for breakfast along with Idly n Dosa without telling him the recipe. I served Him with dosa ..He asked whats this?? i said,that i tried some new Chettinad recipe form other Blog ;) Then he was Ok with the taste..So here's my recipe, when you make Idly or Dosa next time plz try this Kuzhambu, a fantastic combination...

Ingredients

1. Tomato  2 no.s(chopped)
2. Onion     1 no.(sliced)
3. Green chilies  2-3 no.s(slitted)
4. ginger   2" piece(crushed)
5. Garlic   3-4 no.s(crushed with skin)
6. Turmeric powder  1/4 tsp
7. Mustard seeds   1/2 tsp
8. Fennel seeds    1/4 tsp
9. Curry leaves    1-2 sprigs
10. Cilantro   4-5 sprigs(finely chopped)

To  wet Grind

1. Tomato   1 no.
2. Onion   few chopped pieces
3. Coconut      1/2 cup
4. Poppy seeds   1/2 tsp
5. Fennel seeds   1/2 tsp
6. Chilli powder    1and 1/2  tsp
7. Coriander powder  2 tsp
8. Dalia(pottu Kadalai)    1tbsp(optional)

Method

• Grind all the ingredients under "to wet grind" with little water to a smooth paste n keep aside.
• Heat oil in a wok,add mustard seeds and fennel seeds wait till Pop and add curry leaves,green chillies n crushed ginger n garlic,fry lightly and add sliced onions and saute for 1-2 minutes.

• After that add the chopped tomatoes along with turmeric powder and saute till soft n mushy.

• Then add the ground tomato mixture and fry for 2 minutes and add enough water n salt,stir well .
• Add some finely chopped cilantro n bring it to boil and cook till raw smell leaves.

• Thats it..tangy n spicy thakkali kuzhambu is ready..Enjoy with hot soft Idly.

Note:
you can also use 2 tsp of ginger garlic paste paste instead of crushed one.
Make it little thin in consistency, that way it tastes great with hot fluffy idlis or appam :)