Kara Chutney (Onion-Tomato Chutney)

Ingredients

• 4 smallOnion
• 4 smallTomato
• 10Dry red chillies
• 10Garlic cloves (pondu), peeled
• 1Tamarind (small grape-sized ball)
• to tasteSalt
• 1/2 tspSugar
• 2 tbspOil
• 1/2 tspMustard seeds
• 1/2 tspUrad dal
• 6Curry leaves

Method

1. 1

   Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Sauté the onions, garlic and dry red chillies until the onion softens, 4 minutes.

2. 2

   Add the tomatoes and cook 3 minutes more until soft.

3. 3

   Cool. Transfer to a mixie with the tamarind ball and salt. Grind to a coarse-smooth chutney — add 2-3 tbsp water if needed.

4. 4

   Heat the remaining oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds; when they crackle, add urad dal and curry leaves. Pour the tadka over the chutney.

5. 5

   Stir, taste, add the sugar to balance the chilli. Serve with idli, dosa or pongal.