Tomato Gravy - A dosa side dish story!

Everybody loves a tangy and spicy dosa side dish. Dipping every crunchy piece of dosa into a delicious gravy made with plump and ripe tomatoes is just heavenly. In South Indian homes especially, thakkali kurma or tomato gravy is a staple with dosas. It is usually served with an additional bowl of flavoursome chutney. Together, it is a burst of exciting flavours in every single bite. Here is a simple recipe for a tomato-based dosa side dish that is a common feature in South Indian homes and even restaurants. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make this instant tomato gravy with minimal ingredients. This dosa side dish is one that will become a staple in your home as well!

See more related recipes:
1. Simple Kurma Recipe
2. Andhra-style Erra Kaaram Dosa Recipe
3. Paneer Chilli Dosa Recipe
Have a look at our 60-second recipe videos!

Tomato Gravy Dosa Side-Dish Info:

Prep Time

10 Mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

25 Mins

Cuisine

Indian

Category

Side dish

Tomato Gravy for Dosa Ingredients:

  • 3 fresh, large tomatoes
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 green chili
  • 1 teaspoon of ginger garlic paste
  • 5-6 curry leaves
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 2 cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • Salt as needed
  • 1 cup of water
  • Coriander leaves as needed
  • 1/2 cup of grated coconut
  • 1 teaspoon of fried gram
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  • To make the base of this dosa side dish, grind the coconut, cumin seeds, and fried gram into a fine paste.
  • Clean the tomatoes and cut them up roughly. Grind them to make a paste.
  • Heat some oil in a deep pan or kadhai. Add the fennel seeds, cloves, and cinnamon.
  • Let them fry slightly. Then, add the green chilies, onions, and curry leaves.
  • Sauté the onions till they become transparent. Now, mix in the ginger garlic paste and keep stirring until the raw smell is gone. It should become aromatic.
  • Add the tomato paste to the onions and let it cook. Keep sautéing.
  • When the oil begins to separate on the sides and the top, you can stop sautéing.
  • Add the spice powders, namely the coriander powder, turmeric, and chili powder to give this dosa side dish its flavours. Mix well.
  • Now, add the ground coconut paste and mix it in.
  • Add one cup of water and salt as needed.
  • Close the pan with a lid and let the gravy cook for 5-8 minutes.
  • It is a good idea to stir the gravy once or twice as it cooks. You can even add more water to adjust the consistency of the gravy.
  • When the froth settles, it is an indication that your gravy is ready.
  • Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve.

This is not just a great dosa side dish, but also goes well with idlis. This tomato gravy is not only easy to make but it is also super healthy. It is loaded with Vitamin C which is an important immunity booster. So, here is a simple route to good health for your entire family.

Before You Go…