Onion Tomato Thokku - A spicy tangy condiment which can serve as a great side for idli, dosa, paniyaram, paratha, chapati etc. This is a very quick side dish to prepare which takes just 20 minutes from scratch to finish. This thokku perfectly balances the naturally mildly sweet onion with tangy tomatoes along with the flavour of spices.
Onion Tomato Thokku is a quick side dish to make which serves great with chapathi, idli dosa etc. This is a very simple recipe with minimal ingredients. This homemade onion tomato thokku is a lifesaver on busy days, as it can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days.
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About Onion Tomato Thokku
Onion Tomato Thokku is a classic South Indian condiment made by slowly cooking onions and ripe tomatoes with spices until they transform into a thick and flavourful relish. Unlike regular chutneys, onion tomato thokku has a thicker texture and a longer shelf life because the ingredients are cooked down until most of the moisture evaporates.
I first tasted onion tomato thokku in my office when my colleague brought it for lunch. I loved it so much and asked her for the recipe and tried it for that day dinner itself. Its quick, easy to make and tasted soo good. Since then this has become my staple when I want quick side dish.
It is made using simple pantry staples and requires minimal preparation still tastes very irresistibly delicious. The trick here is to chop onion and tomato fine so that it gets cooked quickly and gives thick thokku consistency. Whether served as a breakfast side, lunchbox companion, or quick rice mix, this traditional recipe brings authentic South Indian flavours.
If you like simple homemade condiments packed with flavour then this onion tomato thokku is sure to become a favourite. I am sure your family will demand to make this often as ut happens with mine.
Onion Tomato Thokku Video
Onion Tomato Thokku Ingredients
- Onion - Onion is added for flavour and adds a mild bite to the thokku which makes it taste so good.
- Tomato - Tomato is added for tangy taste and gives volume to this thokku.
- Oil - I have used regular cooking oil which is groundnut oil. You can use any flavourless cooking oil
- Mustard seeds - It is added for tempering, make sure to splutter before adding other ingredients.
- Garlic - adds great flavour and taste.
- Curry leaves, Red chillies - Curry leaves adds flavour and red chillies is added for spice.
- Spice powders - I have used turmeric powder and red chilli powder.
- Salt - to balance the flavours and adds taste.
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How to make Onion Tomato Thokku Step by Step
1.Heat 2 tablespoon oil add ½ teaspoon mustard seeds, let it crackle.
2.Add 2 small red chillies, few curry leaves, let it splutter. Then add 1 teaspoon garlic finely chopped.
3.Saute until garlic turns golden.
4.Add 1 medium sized onion finely chopped.
5.Saute until it turns golden.
6.Add 3 medium sized tomatoes finely chopped.
7.Saute until soft and mushy.
8.Mash it well with a masher.
9.Give a quick mix. Add salt to taste, ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon red chilli powder.
10.Mix it well.
11.Add little water and let it boil well.
12.Boil well until it becomes thick, switch off.
Onion Tomato Thokku is ready! Enjoy with idli, dosa etc.
Expert Tips
- Onions - Chop onion finely and evenly so that it cooks fast and even.
- Tomatoes - Choose fully ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavour and natural sweetness. Ripe tomatoes also give the thokku a rich colour and helps create the perfect balance of tanginess.
- Oil - Do not compromise on oil, it should be slightly more for this thokku.
- Spice powders - Do not burn the spice powders so just saute for a minute then immediately add water, this is to avoid burning. If you like more of masala flavour then add garam masala powder and fennel seeds while tempering.
- Cook until thick - A good thokku should be thick and spreadable, not watery. Continue cooking in low medium flame until excess moisture evaporates and the mixture becomes thick.
Serving and Storing
Serve onion tomato thokku with chapathi, idli, dosa etc. This thokku keeps well for about a week in fridge. Allow the thokku to cool completely before transferring it to a clean, dry airtight container. Always use a dry spoon to maintain freshness and extend shelf life.
FAQS
1.What is Onion Tomato Thokku?
Onion Tomato Thokku is a traditional South Indian relish made by cooking onions, tomatoes, and spices until thick and flavorful. It is commonly served with idli, dosa, chapati, curd rice, and steamed rice.
2.How is thokku different from chutney?
Thokku is cooked for a longer time until it becomes thick, whereas chutney is usually ground and has a shorter shelf life. Thokku also contains less moisture, making it suitable for storage.
3.Which tomatoes are best for this recipe?
Ripe, red and tomatoes are ideal as they provide the best flavor, colour, and natural sweetness and taste.
4.Is it very spicy, Is this suitable for kids?
No it is mildly spiced and very much suitable for kids too.
5.Why is my thokku watery?
The thokku may be watery if the tomatoes were not cooked long enough. Continue cooking until the moisture evaporates and the mixture becomes thick.
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📖 Recipe Card
Onion Tomato Thokku Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon garlic finely chopped
- 1 medium sized onion finely chopped
- 3 medium sized tomatoes finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- salt to taste
- water as needed
To temper
- 2 tablespoon oil
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2 small red chillies
- few curry leaves
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoon oil add ½ teaspoon mustard seeds, let it crackle.
- Add 2 small red chillies, few curry leaves, let it splutter. Then add 1 tablespoon garlic finely chopped.
- Saute until garlic turns golden.
- Add 1 medium sized onion finely chopped.
- Saute until it turns golden.
- Add 3 medium sized tomatoes finely chopped.
- Saute until soft and mushy.
- Mash it well with a masher.
- Give a quick mix. Add salt to taste, ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon red chilli powder.
- Mix it well.
- Add little water and let it boil well.
- Boil well until it becomes thick, switch off.
- Onion Tomato Thokku is ready! Enjoy with idli, dosa etc.
Video
Notes
- Onions - Chop onion finely and evenly so that it cooks fast and even.
- Tomatoes - Choose fully ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavour and natural sweetness. Ripe tomatoes also give the thokku a rich colour and helps create the perfect balance of tanginess.
- Oil - Do not compromise on oil, it should be slightly more for this thokku.
- Spice powders - Do not burn the spice powders so just saute for a minute then immediately add water, this is to avoid burning. If you like more of masala flavour then add garam masala powder and fennel seeds while tempering.
- Cook until thick - A good thokku should be thick and spreadable, not watery. Continue cooking in low medium flame until excess moisture evaporates and the mixture becomes thick.
Meena Nair
Dear Sharmilee,
Your recipes are very simple to replicate. Your step by step instructions are very clear and simple. Thanks for giving us traditional recipes which are delicious.
They turn out great!
Thank you !!!
Sharmilee J
Thank u so much!
Praveen
Very nice recipe. Easy to prepare too. Wife n Daughter liked it a lot so much that they wiped the vessel clean... lol
Sharmilee J
Thank you so much for trying and sharing the feedback!