Tomato Gothsu
Idlis go best with side dishes like chutneys, rasam, sambar, and gothsu. Tomato gothsu (also called Thakkali Kotsu) is a spicy and tangy accompaniment — extremely versatile, healthy, quick, and can be eaten with dosas and breakfast parathas too.
Ingredients
- Tomatoes – 4 large, finely chopped
- Onions – 2 medium, finely diced
- Green chilies – 2 whole
- Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
- Sambar powder – 1 teaspoon
- Mustard seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder
- Hing powder – 1 pinch
- Split black urad dal – 1/2 teaspoon
- Curry leaves – one sprig or 8 to 12
- Tamarind paste – 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt – to taste
- Sugar or jaggery – to taste
Method
- 1
Heat oil in a pan on low heat. Add the urad dal and mustard seeds; let splutter and cook golden brown and fragrant.
- 2
Add curry leaves, turmeric, and hing. Once the crackling stops, add diced onions and sauté till soft and translucent.
- 3
Add chopped tomatoes and cook till mushy, then add coriander powder, jaggery or sugar, and chilies.
- 4
Stir and mix, add a cup of water and the tamarind paste, then salt to taste.
- 5
Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until the oil separates at the sides — the consistency should be like a thick, chunky chutney.
- 6
Transfer to a bowl and serve hot, garnished with fresh curry leaves and green chilies.
