chilli thokku

Chilli Thokku, also known as Milagai Thokku in Tamil Nadu, is a spicy and tangy condiment made with green chilies, spices, and tamarind. It's a versatile accompaniment that pairs well with rice, dosa, idli, or chapati. Here's a basic recipe to make Chilli Thokku:

Ingredients:

- 250g green chilies, roughly chopped

- 1 lemon-sized ball of tamarind, soaked in warm water

- 1/4 cup sesame oil or vegetable oil

- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

- 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)

- 1 tablespoon jaggery or sugar

- Salt to taste

For Spice Paste:

- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds

- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds

- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

- 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds

- 4-5 dry red chilies (adjust to taste)

- 5-6 cloves garlic

- 1-inch piece of ginger, chopped

- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

Instructions:

1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, fenugreek seeds, and dry red chilies. Dry roast the spices until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let them cool.

2. In a blender or food processor, grind the roasted spices along with garlic, ginger, and turmeric powder into a coarse paste. Set aside.

3. Heat oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds. Let them splutter.

4. Add the ground spice paste to the pan. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.

5. Meanwhile, extract the juice from the soaked tamarind and discard the pulp.

6. Add the tamarind juice to the pan, along with chopped green chilies, jaggery (or sugar), asafoetida, and salt to taste. Mix well.

7. Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the oil separates and the thokku thickens to a jam-like consistency, about 20-25 minutes.

8. Once the Chilli Thokku is ready, remove it from heat and let it cool completely.

9. Transfer the cooled thokku to clean, sterilized glass jars and store it in the refrigerator.

10. Serve the Chilli Thokku as a spicy and tangy accompaniment with rice, dosa, idli, or chapati. Enjoy the fiery flavors!

Adjust the quantity of green chilies and dry red chilies according to your spice preference.