KOTHAMALLI THOKKU | CORIANDER THOKKU

When I was in Chennai I used to make regular visits to Grand sweets Adyar to get the Kothamalli thokku.Whether it is had as an accompaniment for Idli, dosa, chappathi or just mixed with plain rice, it tastes awesome.

I enjoy making this at home as the entire house will be filled with a sweet aroma of coriander.

Ingredients

Coriander leaves/Cilantro (Stalks removed and chopped)- 3 cups
Red chilli - 1/8 cup*
Tamarind : A big gooseberry size
Salt: 3/4 tsp (to taste)
Asafoetida: a pinch
Grated jaggery: 1.5 tsp
Mustard seeds: 1 tsp
Fenugreek seeds: 1/8 tsp
Sesame oil: 4 tablespoon

* I used small variety of red chillies and measured 1/8 cup. If using long variety, use around 8 red chillies


Procedure:
1) Wash the coriander thoroughly in water
2) Remove the roots and hard stalks
3) Chop the coriander leaves
4) Heat 1 tsp of oil in a pan and add fenugreek seeds
5) Once it starts browning add red chilli & asafoetida
6) Add the chopped coriander and fry for a couple of minutes until it wilts

7) Add tamarind and fry for a minute
8) Allow this to cool
9) Grind it in a mixie/blender. Add little water to grind

10) Heat 2 tablespoon of oil in a pan and mustard seeds
11) Once it starts spluttering add the ground mixture
11) Simmer and allow to cook for around 10 minutes (Stir the mixture in between)
12) Add the remaining oil, salt and jaggery and continue stirring until it comes off the sides.
      Once jaggery is added, the thokku will turn into nice dark green color

13) Store in an airtight container

Notes:
Do not add more fenugreek seeds.It will give a bitter taste. It is okay to omit this as well
Adjust jaggery according to taste. Adding jaggery will give a nice green color.