Thakkali Thokku | Tomato thokku | Spicy and Tangy South Indian Tomato Gravy

Thakkali Thokku is a popular spicy side dish prepared in many Tamil Nadu households. Made with ripe tomatoes, onions, and a blend of traditional masala powders, this flavorful gravy is both simple and satisfying. Its rich, tangy taste pairs perfectly with chapathi, poori, dosa, and even idli. Easy to prepare and bursting with authentic South Indian flavors, Thakkali Thokku is a must-try recipe that brings warmth and spice to any meal.

Check here for more recipes:  

Sponge Dosa, 

Chettinad Vegetable Kurma, 

Thinai Dosa

Rotukadai Thakkali Chutney 

Chutney without Coconut

Ingredients for making Thakkali Thokku

Onions – 4
Tomatoes - 8
Green Chilly - 1
Garlic - 8 pods
Turmeric Powder – ¼ tsp.
Chilly powder – 2 tsp.
Coriander powder - 2 tsp.
Salt - 1 tsp.
Mustard seeds – 1tsp.
Urad dhal – 1tsp.
A sprig of Curry leaves
Chopped Coriander leaves - 2 tbsp.
Oil as required.

Method for making Thakkali Thokku

1. Chop the onions, tomatoes, and slit the green chillies and garlic.

2. Heat oil in a pan, splutter the mustard seeds and fry the urad dal to golden brown. Add the curry leaves, finely chopped onions, green chilly and garlic and saute well till the onions become transparent.

3. Next add the tomatoes along with the required amount of salt.

4. Saute well till the tomatoes become juicy.

5. Now add the turmeric powder, red chilly powder and the coriander powder. Mix well and then add the required amount of water and close it with a lid.

6. Cook this in a medium flame for 5 to 10 minutes till it becomes a thokku.

7. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with chappathi or even white rice.