Tomato Thokku

Tomato improves eye sight, lower hypertension, relief from diabetes, relief from skin problems and urinary tract infections. It consists of a large number of antioxidants which have been proven to fight different forms of cancer. So, we will make use of tomato everyday. 

Ingredients:

Tomato - 1/2 kg
Salt - as per taste
Red Chilli - 2 or 3
Oil - 2 tbsp
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Urad dal - 1/2 tsp
Channa dal - 1/2 tsp
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp
Asafoetida - a pinch

Method:

• Bring Water to boil. Wash and cut tomatoes in to two halves. Put the tomatoes in boiling water. Switch off the flame and close it with a lid for 10 min.
• Peel off the skin and puree the tomatoes in a blender or mixer.
• Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan, add mustard seeds. After it splutters, add urad dal, red chillies, channa dal and asafoetida. Once it turns golden brown, pour tomato puree and add turmeric powder and salt.
• Cook covered in medium flame, stirring in between till it leaves oil on the side.
• Once it cools, store it in an air-tight container and refrigerate it.

Beetroot Kuzhambhu

Beetroot increases blood flow to the brain. It is also used to treat fever, constipation, wounds and skin problems. It contains Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Vitamin A, B6, C, Folic acid, Carbohydrates, Protein and soluble fiber.

Ingredients:

Beetroot - 1 Medium
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp
Salt - as per taste
Tamarind - medium lemon size
Rice Flour - 1 1/2 tbsp
Oil - 1 tbsp
Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp
Urad dal - 1/2 tsp
Channa dal - 1/2 tsp
Fenugreek seeds - 1/4 tsp
Curry leaves - few
Kuzhambhu Powder - 1 1/2 tsp

Method:

• Peel, wash and cut Beetroot in to cubes. Half boil it with little water and salt. Keep aside.
• Soak Tamarind in hot water for 10 min and pulp it with little water.
• Heat oil in a deep heavy bottomed pan on low flame. Add Mustard seeds. Let it splutter. Then, add urad dal, channa dal, fenugreek seeds and curry leaves, let it turn to light golden brown.
• Add Kuzhambhu Powder and fry for a minute or till raw smell goes. 
• Add Tamarind pulp,turmeric powder, salt and stir it well. Let it boil for 5 min.
• Add 1/2 cup water, cooked Beetroot cubes and make it to boil further for 10 min.
• Mix rice flour with 1/2 cup of water and pour it to Kuzhambhu to thicken it. Stir it continuously for 5 min. Take away from flame. Serve hot with rice.