Onion Thokku

Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Heat oil in a kadai and add channa dal, urad dal, cumin, fenugreek, and garlic. Saute on low flame for 1 minute.
  2. 2Add chopped onions and salt. Mix and cook until soft, switching between low and high flame to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
  3. 3Add soaked red chillies and a small piece of tamarind. Mix and saute on high flame for 1 minute.
  4. 4Switch off the heat and let the mixture cool completely.
  5. 5Transfer the cooled mixture to a grinder jar and blend into a smooth paste without adding water, or with a little water if needed (around 1/4 cup).
  6. 6Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a kadai and add mustard seeds, urad dal, hing, and curry leaves.
  7. 7Add the prepared onion paste and jaggery to the kadai.
  8. 8Mix well and cook on medium flame for 10-15 minutes until the color changes and oil separates.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 1 tbsp channa dal
  • 1 tbsp urad dal
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp fenugreek
  • a handful garlic
  • 4 whole onion, chopped
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 10 whole red chilli, soaked
  • a small piece tamarind
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1/2 tsp urad dal
  • 1 tsp hing
  • a handful curry leaves
  • 1 tsp jaggery

Equipment

kadaispatulagrinder jar

Tips

  • You can peel the garlic or add it with the skin on.
  • The creator used Kashmiri red chillies, but normal red chillies work too.
  • Jaggery can be replaced with jaggery powder, white sugar, or normal sugar to balance the heat.
  • Store in a glass bottle in the fridge for up to 3 months; at room temperature, it lasts for 1 month.
  • Serve with idli, dosa, chapati, or rice. If mixing with white rice, add 1 tsp of ghee.