Monday, April 16, 2012

Pudina Thogayal/Mint Paste

Today i start Valli's BM #15 & this time its going to be 7 days of Accompaniments! For the very first day i choose Pudina or Mint Thogayal...I am just thinking how can i best describe a Thogayal :).. A thicker version of chutney maybe???..Hmmm..not exactly doesn't taste like chutney really! Thick as a dip..true! The base of a thogayal (pronounced as Tho-ga-yal) is mainly lentils & chillies.. 







This is usually done when you don't want to cook anything elaborate like a kozhambu/sambhar or Kootu and want to keep it simple :).. especially after a long travel, when you want a quick fix, yet a tasty one..then this is the answer! There are so many variations to it & we absolutely love it.. Some rice, ghee & thogayal.. I am one happy person.. Not just because i love the taste but also the fact that i have to spend just a few minutes in the kitchen :D


Ingredients
1. Pudina/Mint Leaves - 2 bunches
2. Urad Dal - 2 tbsp
3. Red Chillies - 3-4
4. Peppercorns - 4-5
5. Hing - a pinch
6. Tamarind paste - pea size or less than 1/4 tsp
7. Salt - a pinch or to taste
8. Water - 1/4 cup
9.Oil - 1 tsp


Preparation Time!!
1. In a pan, add the oil & then add urad dal, red chillies,peppercorns and hing. Saute till the dal turns brown. Remove & cool it


2. In the same pan, add washed Mint leaves and sauté till the raw smell goes. The mint leaves really shrink in size


3. Transfer this to the blender too & once cooled, add tamarind, a little salt and water and grind to paste


Thats it the Thogayal is ready! Told you this was easy breezy & yum too :)..Some other variations of thogayal likeParuppu(Toor Dal) thogayal & Coconut Thogayal can be found in my space!


Mix this with rice & ghee & enjoy :).. 


Pointer
I personally prefer to grind it to a little less fine mixture! A little dal as i have with rice is something i like..you could grind to a fine paste too :)


Serving: 2 people
Duration: 15 minutes




Check out the Blogging Marathon page to see what other Blogging Marathoners are doing this BM#15

37 comments:

  1. pudina and urad dal is new to me...lovely photos

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  2. Wow that was yummy yummy... Can feel the flavor...

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  3. This is something I make very often and I do it the same way.

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  4. Very interesting recipe Rasi. Love the flavours!

    Chef Al dente New monthly series: Meal of the Month! Send in your entries for April now...

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  5. awesome spread it can be used in different way:)

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  6. My fav thogayal looks absolutely delicious...

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  7. thogayal looks perfect
    adding pepper sounds new to me...

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  8. yummy and flavorful thogayal..looks too good!!
    Spicy-Aroma

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  9. I have whole lot of pudina leaves lying in my pantry .. so this is a sure to do ..

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  10. Mint thogiyal is my fav one to have with biryani. nicely done

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  11. My all time favourite, i can have two more idlis with this thogayal..

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  12. Love this thogayal, I don't add peppercorns, I think that wud have given a nice flavor..

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    1. its very mild enhancement of flavor.. my mom adds so the tradition continues :)

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  13. Yum...you are starting another challenge? You have energy and enthu lady :-)

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  14. I've never had this, but looks good to try

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  15. this is new to me. looks great. would love to give it a try

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  16. I always love any Green thogayals.

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  17. Quick and tasty thogiyal. My kids love this with rice and ghee.

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  18. very yummy and delicious love the combination

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  19. I completely agree...thogayal is a savior when you don't want to do anything elaborate ....I love mint thogayal ...my fav...nice one Rasi!!!

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  20. yummy delicious and very flavorafull thogiyal..

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  21. Very delicious paste,love the flavours..:-)
    You can link this to my event,Rasi..

    ONGOING EVENT- "Mint & Coriander seeds" (EP Series-Apr)
    Erivum Puliyum

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  22. My sister was just suggesting that I make her some mint thogayal. You photos look so perfect.

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  23. Rasi,
    Mint thogayal looks perfect, Regarding Gond you can get it in Indian store.

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  24. I love pudina thogayal, yours look super delicious.

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  25. book marked Rasya...I am loving these flavors and cant wait to try this simple irresistable recipe...super color and a lovely recipe.

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  26. My mom makes something similar without peppercorns. Looks yummy!

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  27. Nice picture! will try this recipe sometime.

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  28. I love this one. Very delicious with steamed rice...Nice clicks..

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  29. awards waiting for u @
    http://bestofmykitchen.blogspot.in/2012/05/ep-series-mint-coriander-round-up.html

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Really look forward to your opinions, comments & suggestions :)...Glad you took time to say something on my dish..Its a yay! moment for me :)