Thogayal is generally served in small helpings as an extra accompaniment to a standard Tamilian meal consisting of rice, liquid gravy (rasam/sambar/vathakozhambu etc.), a dry vegetable and curd. It is often taken in lieu of pickles, and is spicier than the present recipe. The only time that it appears as a main dish is when rice is taken with vathakozhambu. V and T form a deadly mouthwatering combo. I prefer having hot steamed rice mixed with thogayal and a tsp. of til oil. It is absolutely yummy that way. I often use thogayal as a spread while making sandwiches, masala dosa. Leftover thogayal can be added to your regular chapatti or paratha dough as it agrees well with almost anything.
Isn’t it the most versatile thing? And the best part – it is quick and easy!
Recipe: Paruppu thogayal ~ Lentil and coconut chutney
Ingredients:
Moong dal / tuvar dal – 1 cup
Coconut – 1/2 cup (Freshly grated)
Salt – to taste
Dry red chilli – 1 (To taste)
(Some people also add a small piece of tamarind which is optional)
Method:
1. Roast the lentils on slow fire till flavor is released and they turn light brown. Set to cool.
2. Put all the ingredients together in a mixer and grind, starting with 1/4 cup water, increasing the amount of water if necessary. The ground mass should have a spreadable consistency. It should neither be too thick nor runny. If you spoon a little, it should not slip off easily!
Nice thogayal… with hot rice & ghee a perfect one!
OOps! forgot to write Thanks for visiting my blog, you have a great blog too!!
I love thogayal, good one when we re lazy enough to prepare a gravy
Seema, welcome and visiting your blog was my pleasure!
Cham, how true, you seem to echo my mind in most of the comments…!
Hi…
Paruppu thogayal looks so good. That was a nice recipe. YUM!…
paruppu thogayal looks wonderful!! Will try this soon!
My first visit here. You have a great blog!
I love thogayal too. But I have not used moong daal for thogayal. Will try it soon. Even I like the vathakuzhambu, thogayal, sutta appalam combination. It’s so simple yet so comforting. Right?
Something new for me. I’ve seen dozens of chutneys with all sorts of ingredients, but never legumes. Must try it. Easy and tasty!
Sukanya, Kalai, Madhuram – Lots of thogayal fans here, I see!
Susan – Am sure you will luv this..its absolutely flexible!