Tomato Pulusu

Ingredients

• - 250g ripe tomatoes
• - Large tamarind ball
• - 3 tbsp sesame oil
• - 1 large onion
• - 2 tomatoes
• - 2 tsp red chilli powder
• - 1/2 tsp fenugreek powder
• - 1/4 tsp turmeric
• - 1 tsp jaggery
• - Salt to taste

Method

1. Soak tamarind: Soak a marble-sized tamarind in 1 cup warm water. Extract and strain.
2. Prepare tomatoes: Wash and roughly chop 4 large ripe tomatoes.
3. Make base: Heat 2 tbsp oil. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds. When they pop add 1 tsp cumin seeds, 4 garlic cloves, 2 dried red chillies and 1 sprig curry leaves.
4. Add shallots: Add 8 sliced shallots and fry 6 minutes until golden.
5. Add tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes and cook on medium heat 8-10 minutes pressing until completely soft.
6. Add spice powders: Add 1 tsp red chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder and half tsp turmeric. Fry 2 minutes.
7. Add tamarind water: Pour tamarind water. Add salt and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil.
8. Simmer: Cook on medium heat 10 minutes until the pulusu reaches a thin but flavourful consistency.
9. Add jaggery: Add 1 tsp jaggery to balance the sourness. Stir well.
10. Serve: Adjust salt and sourness. Tomato pulusu should be bright red and tangy. Serve with steamed rice.