Cooking Time Required: 30 mins
Cost of Preraration: 15-20 Rupees
Ingredients: Tomatoes ( 200 gm ), garlic ( 2-3 pods, optional), red chilli ( 2 nos),
coriander seeds ( 1/5 tsp ), mustard seeds ( 1/5 tsp), fennel seeds ( 1/5 tsp ),curry leaves ( 4-5 nos), dates ( 7-8 nos ), cumin-chilli powder ( 1/5 tsp ) , oil , sugar ( 2-3 tsp or according to taste ), salt.
Preparation: Heat a wok. Pour 1-2 tsp oil and allow it to start smoking. Add the coriander, fennel and mustard seeds. Add the garlic, red chilli and curry leaves to the spluttering seeds. Cut each tomato into four halves and add to the wok.
Cover the wok with a lid. Allow the tomatoes to soften. Then add 1.5 cups of water and salt. Bring to a boil and add the dates. Keep on low flame and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Add the sugar and cumin-chilli powder. Take off from the fire after 5 minutes.
Serve with rice/rotis and even samosas.
Tip: One can avoid adding the dates and instead garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves for a zingy flavour.