Name: Thakkali Thokku Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 10 large ripe tomatoes; small lemon sized tamarind (1 tablespoon thick extract or paste); 6 tablespoons sesame oil (divided); 2 teaspoons mustard seeds; 1/2 teaspoon methi seeds; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 3 teaspoons chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon jaggery; salt (to taste)

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Last updated on April 27th, 2019

Thakkali thokku recipe or tomato thokku is a easy and delicious tomato pickle from Tamil nadu cuisine. This versatile tomato thokku is a mix of tomatoes with south Indian pickling spices and oil.You can serve it in multiple ways. Here is how to make best thakkali thokku with step by step by photos.

Thakkali thokku stored in a glass jar

What Is Thakkali Thokku?

Thakkali thokku is popular pickle recipe from south Indian recipe. Among various south Indian pickle recipes this thakkali thokku is my top favorite. Thakkali means tomato in Tamil and thokku is a sort of pickling. This tomato thokku is so easy to make and tastes very delicious.

This pickle has a very concentrated flavor and complex taste making it a very apt side dish for various dishes like idli, dosa, curd rice, paratha and many more.

There are many ways to make thakkali thokku ranging from simple to complex methods. Here I am sharing my usual way of making tomato thokku. It is simple yet very delicious and quick recipe.

Usually we prepare these thokkus in large quantities and store for days together. They keep very well as they are well cooked with good amount of oil and tamarind. Both oil and tamarind are natural preservatives.

If you want to make an instant pickle in 20 minutes that is delicious and flavorful, this recipe is for you.

This Thakkali Thokku Recipe

Is vegan

Can be made gluten free

Is very tasty and flavorful

quick and simple

Store tomato thokku in airtight jar and serve as required. It stays good for a week at room temperature but you can refrigerate it for 10 days. Use a clean dry spoon to serve.

You can also check this tomato pickle, tomato chutney for travel, onion tomato chutney, tomato gothsu, tomato curry recipes.

Ingredients You Will Need

Tomato

Use ripe, red and juice tomatoes. I prefer to use desi tomatoes as they are more juicy and slightly tart. You can either finely chop the tomatoes or puree it. We like chunkier tomato thokku so I chop it a bit finely.

Pickling Spices

The usual south Indian pickling spices are used in this recipe. Mustard seeds, methi seeds, turmeric powder and red chili powder. If you are making thakkali thokku in large quantities you can dry roast and powder the mustard seeds. Here I have added them as such.

Seasoning

Usually we season this pickle with asafoetida. For gluten free tomato thokku you can use minced garlic as seasoning.

Which Oil Is Best For This Recipe

Sesame oil is the best for south Indian pickles. This oil lends a wonderful as well as it acts as natural preservative. You can however use light olive oil or any vegetable oil in this recipe.

How To Make Thakkali Thokku Recipe Step by Step

Rinse, wipe and chop the tomatoes.

Chopped fresh tomaoes

heat 4 tablespoons oil in a heavy pan. Add mustard seeds and let crackle.

Add turmeric powder, chili powder

Sauteing spice powders in sesame oil

and saute well.

sauteing spice powders

Now add the chopped tomatoes and mix. Season wit salt and jaggery. Mix well and cook for 8-10 minutes.

Making tomato thokku recipe

The tomatoes should get cooked, turn mushy and release oil from sides. Finally add remaining oil and mix well. remove from flame.

Thakkali thokku cooked completely and ready

Cool and store airtight.

closeup shot of tomato thokku or thakkali thokku ready to eat

Top Tips For Best Thakkali Thokku

Use good ripe tomatoes for best tasting thokku
Adding a small pinch of jaggery rounds off the flavor.
Do not leave out tamarind as it acts as natural preservative
Add more oil if you want to store thokku for more days
The recipe can be doubled.

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