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Instant Tomato Gothsu | Easy 10 Minute Side Dish

No sambar no chutney — just this! Instant tomato gothsu ready in 10 minutes with onions, 5 tomatoes, sambar podi and jeera podi. The perfect quick side dish for idli and pongal that never disappoints! The key is frying the spice powders really well before adding water. Trust me — with hot idli or pongal this combo is just 🤌❤️
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: SOUTH INDIAN

Ingredients
  

  • Oil as needed
  • Mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp channa dal
  • 2 onions sliced
  • 1 green chilli slit
  • 5 tomatoes chopped
  • 1 tbsp sambar podi
  • 1 tsp jeera podi
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups water adjust to preference
  • Curry leaves

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in pan. Add mustard seeds and channa dal. Let splutter.
  2. Add sliced onions and slit green chilli. Fry really well till golden.
  3. Add chopped tomatoes. Sauté till completely soft.
  4. Add sambar podi, jeera podi and salt.
  5. Fry really really well till raw smell of spice powders completely disappears.
  6. Only then add 2 cups water. Add curry leaves.
  7. Let simmer nicely till gothsu thickens slightly.
  8. Adjust water for preferred consistency.
  9. Serve hot with idli or pongal.

Notes

Fry onions really well — don't rush!
Fry spice powders completely till raw smell goes — this is crucial!
Add water ONLY after raw smell disappears.
Use ripe red tomatoes for best flavour.
Adjust water for thick or thin consistency.
Simmer properly for best flavour.
Stores in fridge for up to 2 days.
Perfect emergency side dish for idli and pongal! 😄