I understand that Thonthanam is a very typical Rayalaseema recipe which is made with Toor dal and curd with a yummy masala blend. It is one of the few items I miss eating in the US.
Thonthanam is typically made with a leafy vegetable called Goli koora / Gangavaila koora / Paayalaku. Goli koora has a slight sour taste to it which gives it a unique flavor. Apparently, it has many health benefits too. Anyway, its been ages since I have seen this vegetable and so this recipe was sitting idle in my books. I was reminded of this recipe in a casual conversation with my cousin. Some very delicious memories came back to me and I had a craving for the taste of Thonthanam. I then decided to try it with Palak (Spinach). This version of Thonthanam came close to the taste of the original one and and my family loved it. The next variation could be trying it with menthi (Fenugreek) leaves. So here we are ..
Thonthanam is typically made with a leafy vegetable called Goli koora / Gangavaila koora / Paayalaku. Goli koora has a slight sour taste to it which gives it a unique flavor. Apparently, it has many health benefits too. Anyway, its been ages since I have seen this vegetable and so this recipe was sitting idle in my books. I was reminded of this recipe in a casual conversation with my cousin. Some very delicious memories came back to me and I had a craving for the taste of Thonthanam. I then decided to try it with Palak (Spinach). This version of Thonthanam came close to the taste of the original one and and my family loved it. The next variation could be trying it with menthi (Fenugreek) leaves. So here we are ..
Ingredients -
Palak Finely chopped 1 cup
Toor Dal (Kandi pappu) 1/2 cup
Turmeric 1 pinch
Jeera 1 tsp
Coriander leaves few sprigs
Green Chillies 4-5 nos (or as per taste)
Roasted chana dal (Puthana/Putnalu) 2 Tbsp
Shredded Coconut (Fresh or dry) 2 tsp (Optional)
Sour Curds well beaten (Yogurt) 1 cup
Tomato 1 medium (Optional)
Salt as per taste
Seasoning (Oil 1 Tbsp, Urad dal, Mustard seeds, Red chilli, Curry leaves and Hing (Asafotida))Method of preparation -
Pressure cook Toor dal and chopped Palak.
While the Dal and Palak are cooking, Make a paste of Jeera, Coriander leaves, Green chillies, Putnalu, Coconut and Tomato.
In a sauce pan , Heat oil and add the seasoning and after the mustard seeds crackle, add the cooked Toor dal and palak mixture.
Add turmeric and mix the paste made.
Add salt and let the whole mixture simmer for a couple of minutes.
Add the beaten curd / thick buttermilk to it and mix well.
Turn off the stove and serve it over steaming hot rice!!
Note - If the curd (yogurt) is sour, tomato is optional. Moreover the controversy over the mixing of Tomato and Palak not being good for the kidneys is still unresolved in my mind!!
This goes to the Healing Foods Event created by Siri and guest hosted by Divya
This goes to the Healing Foods Event created by Siri and guest hosted by Divya
Serves approx. 3 Adults
Preparation Time 30 min
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