TOMATO GRAVY (THAKKAI BAJJI) RECIPE
Tomatoes, also known as thakkali, have a fascinating history that spans centuries and continents. Native to western South America, tomatoes were first cultivated by the Incas in the Andes mountains. In the 16th century, the Spanish brought tomato seeds to Europe, and from there, it gradually spread to other parts of the world, including India during the colonial era.
Today, tomatoes are an essential ingredient in Indian cuisine, adding a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to curries, chutneys, and sauces. The Tamil word for tomato, "thakkali," is commonly used in Tamil Nadu, the southern Indian state renowned for its rich cuisine.
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons of oil
1/4 teaspoon of mustard seeds
1/4 teaspoon of urad dal
2 onions, chopped
10 to 15 tomatoes, chopped
2 green chilies, sliced
1 teaspoon of chili powder
1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder
1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder
A handful of curry leaves
A handful of chopped coriander leaves
Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the mustard seeds and urad dal. Let them splutter for a few seconds.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Mix well.
- Add the chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Mix well.
- Cook the mixture until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
- Add the curry leaves and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and turn off the heat.
- Serve hot with rice or roti. Enjoy!
History of Tomato(thakkaki)
Thakkali is the Tamil word for "tomato." The tomato is native to western South America and was first cultivated by the Incas in the Andes mountains. The Spanish brought tomato seeds to Europe in the 16th century, and from there it spread to other parts of the world.
In India, the tomato was introduced during the colonial era. The British brought the tomato to India in the 16th century, and it gradually became a part of Indian cuisine. Today, tomatoes are an essential ingredient in many Indian dishes, including curries, chutneys, and sauces.
The name "thakkali" is believed to have originated from the Tamil language, which is spoken in the southern part of India. In Tamil Nadu, the state known for its rich cuisine, tomatoes are used extensively in cooking. Thakkali is used in a variety of dishes, from sambar and rasam to thakkali chutney and thakkali curry.
In conclusion, the history of thakkali, or tomato, is a fascinating one that spans many centuries and continents. Today, it is an essential ingredient in Indian cuisine and is loved for its tangy, slightly sweet flavor and versatility in cooking.
Health benefits of tomato (thakkali)
Tomatoes, also known as thakkali, are a nutritious fruit that provide a variety of health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of consuming tomatoes:
Rich in nutrients: Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K. They also contain small amounts of other vitamins and minerals.
May reduce the risk of cancer: Tomatoes are high in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer.
May improve heart health: Tomatoes contain potassium, fiber, and antioxidants that can help to improve heart health. Consuming tomatoes may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
May improve eye health: Tomatoes contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that are important for eye health. These antioxidants can help to prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
May reduce inflammation: Tomatoes contain several compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, including vitamin C, lycopene, and beta-carotene. Consuming tomatoes may help to reduce inflammation in the body.
May improve skin health: The vitamin C in tomatoes is important for collagen production, which is essential for healthy skin. Consuming tomatoes may help to improve skin health and reduce the signs of aging.
Overall, consuming tomatoes as part of a balanced diet may provide a variety of health benefits.
NUTRIENTS IN TOMATO
Tomatoes, also known as thakkali, are a nutrient-rich fruit that are packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here are some of the key nutrients found in tomatoes:
Vitamin C: Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, an important antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Potassium: Tomatoes are a good source of potassium, an essential mineral that is important for healthy blood pressure and heart function.
Vitamin K: Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health.
Folate: Tomatoes contain folate, a B vitamin that is important for cell growth and development.
Lycopene: Tomatoes are one of the best dietary sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic diseases.
Beta-carotene: Tomatoes contain beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important for vision, immune function, and skin health.
Fiber: Tomatoes are a good source of fiber, which is important for digestive health and may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Overall, tomatoes are a nutrient-rich food that can provide a variety of health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Comments
Post a Comment