Tamatey ka Kut
A classic Hyderabadi curry featuring tangy tomatoes simmered in a rich, nutty gravy made from peanuts, sesame seeds, and coconut. This flavorful dish perfectly complements biryani or bagara khana.
For 4 servings
Roast and Grind the Nut and Seed Paste
- In a dry pan over low heat, roast the peanuts for 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and have light brown spots.
- Add the sesame seeds and desiccated coconut. Continue to roast for another minute, stirring constantly, until the sesame seeds start to pop. Be careful not to burn them.
- Remove the mixture from the pan and allow it to cool completely.
- Once cooled, transfer to a grinder and blend into a smooth paste, adding 2-3 tablespoons of water to help it grind.
Prepare the Curry Base (Tadka)
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Wait for them to splutter, which should take about 30 seconds.
- Add the curry leaves and slit green chilies. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn soft and golden brown, which will take about 7-8 minutes.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for one minute until the raw aroma disappears.
Cook the Tomatoes and Spices
- Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they break down, become mushy, and oil begins to separate from the mixture.
- Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook the spices for one minute.
Combine and Simmer the Curry
- Add the prepared peanut-sesame-coconut paste to the pan. Stir continuously and cook for 2-3 minutes until it is well combined and fragrant.
- Pour in 1.5 cups of hot water and add the grated jaggery. Stir everything together until the paste and jaggery dissolve into the gravy.
- Bring the curry to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. The gravy will thicken, and you will see a layer of oil floating on top.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt or jaggery to balance the flavors.
Garnish and Serve
- Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with Hyderabadi biryani, bagara khana (spiced rice), or plain steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use ripe, red tomatoes for the best balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
- 2Roasting the peanuts and seeds on a low flame is crucial to prevent them from burning, which would make the curry bitter.
- 3The amount of jaggery can be adjusted based on the sourness of your tomatoes.
- 4For an even smoother gravy, you can blanch and puree the tomatoes before adding them.
- 5This curry thickens as it cools. Adjust the consistency with a little hot water before reheating and serving.
- 6If your tomatoes are not very tangy, you can add a teaspoon of tamarind paste along with the water for an authentic sour taste.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Vegetables
Incorporate small brinjals (eggplant) or drumsticks along with the tomatoes to make it a more substantial curry, similar to Bagara Baingan.
Richer GravyRicher Gravy
For a richer, creamier texture, add a tablespoon of poppy seeds (khus khus) to the roasting mix before grinding the paste.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of garam masala at the end for extra warmth and spice.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
The peanuts and sesame seeds in this curry are excellent sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
High in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Spices like turmeric also contribute anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
Peanuts and sesame seeds provide a decent amount of plant-based protein, making this dish a nutritious option for vegetarians and vegans.
Aids Digestion
The combination of tomatoes, nuts, and seeds provides dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and promoting gut health.
Frequently asked questions
Tamatey ka Kut is a traditional Hyderabadi curry made with tomatoes as the base. Its unique flavor comes from a rich, nutty paste of roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and coconut, which gives it a creamy texture and complex taste.
