Tomato Pachadi
A vibrant and tangy South Indian relish made from ripe tomatoes, balanced with a hint of spice and sweetness. This versatile condiment is the perfect accompaniment for idli, dosa, and rice dishes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of sesame oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and green chillies. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
- d.Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix everything together well.
- e.Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are completely soft, mushy, and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Add Finishing Flavors and Cool
- b.Stir in the tamarind paste and powdered jaggery. Cook for another 2 minutes until the jaggery has fully dissolved and the raw smell of tamarind is gone.
- c.Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature. This is important before grinding.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Grind the Pachadi
- b.Transfer the cooled tomato mixture into a blender or grinder jar.
- c.Blend to a paste. You can make it completely smooth or leave it slightly coarse for texture, as per your preference. Do not add any water while grinding.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of sesame oil in a small tadka pan over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter completely.
- d.Add the urad dal and chana dal. Sauté on low heat until they turn golden brown and aromatic. Be careful not to burn them.
- e.Add the broken dried red chillies, curry leaves, and hing. Sauté for about 20-30 seconds until the curry leaves become crisp.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Pour the hot tempering immediately over the ground tomato pachadi.
- c.Mix well to combine. The pachadi is now ready to be served.
- d.Serve as a side with idli, dosa, uttapam, chapati, or mixed with hot steamed rice and a dollop of ghee.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use ripe, juicy Roma or country tomatoes for the best flavor and color.
- 2For a longer shelf life, ensure you cook the tomatoes until oil separates and avoid adding water during grinding.
- 3Sesame oil (gingelly oil) provides the most authentic flavor, but any neutral vegetable oil can be used.
- 4Adjust the amount of jaggery and tamarind to balance the tanginess of the tomatoes.
- 5Let the tempering ingredients turn golden but not dark brown, as burnt dals can make the pachadi bitter.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Coconut
Add 2-3 tablespoons of freshly grated coconut along with the tomatoes while sautéing for a creamier texture and milder flavor.
No Onion/GarlicNo Onion/Garlic
For a sattvic version, you can skip the onion and garlic. The pachadi will still be delicious, with a more pronounced tomato flavor.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chillies and dried red chillies, or add a pinch of black pepper to the tempering for extra heat.
Andhra StyleAndhra Style
Roast 1/2 tsp of fenugreek seeds (methi) and 1 tsp of coriander seeds (dhania) and grind them into a powder. Add this powder along with the tamarind for a classic Andhra-style flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and is linked to a lower risk of certain chronic diseases.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The inclusion of spices like turmeric (containing curcumin), ginger, and garlic provides potent anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Aids Digestion
Ingredients like ginger, curry leaves, and hing (asafoetida) are well-known in traditional medicine for their digestive properties, helping to prevent bloating and improve gut health.
Heart Healthy
This pachadi is low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free. The lycopene in tomatoes and the use of sesame oil can contribute to better cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Tomato Pachadi is quite healthy. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants from tomatoes, particularly lycopene. The use of spices like turmeric and ginger adds anti-inflammatory benefits. It is also low in calories and plant-based.