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    Thakkali Poondu thokku | Tomato Garlic pickle

    February 11, 2026 By Vidya Srinivasan Leave a Comment

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    Tomato pickle | Thakkali oorugai | instant thakkali thokku 

    Tomato garlic achaar, easy pickle recipe, thakkali poondu orrugai, Andhra style tomato garlic pickle, thakkali urugai |pressure cooker thakkali poondu oorugai, tomato garlic pickle, thakkali oorugai, poondu oorugai, instant tomato pickle, south indian pickle recipe, pressure cooker pickle, spicy tomato garlic oorugai, homemade oorugai, tamil style pickle, easy oorugai recipe, thakkali poondu curry, tomato garlic condiment, quick pickle recipe, traditional tamil oorugai with step-by-step pictures and video recipe. Check out the Thakkali poondu oorugai, and if you like the video pls SUBSCRIBE to my channel

    Crushing garlic

    I like the texture of crushed garlic in tomato garlic pickle. You can also finely or roughly chop garlic.

    What is Thakkali Poondu Oorugai?

    It is a South Indian pickle made with tomatoes and garlic, cooked with spices until thick and tangy. The pressure cooker method makes it faster and more flavorful.

    Why use a pressure cooker for this pickle?

    A pressure cooker softens tomatoes quickly, enhances the spice infusion, and reduces cooking time without compromising taste.

    How long does this oorugai stay fresh?

    When stored in a clean, airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 10–15 days in the refrigerator.

    Can I reduce the garlic in this recipe?

    Yes, you can adjust garlic based on preference. However, garlic adds depth and authentic flavor to the oorugai.

    What dishes pair well with thakkali poondu oorugai?

    It goes wonderfully with curd rice, idli, dosa, chapati, sambar rice, and even plain steamed rice.

    Why Kashmiri chilli powder for the South Indian pickle variety?

    Kashmiri chilli powder gives amazing color to the thakkali oorugai. Kashmiri chilli powder is not as spicy as regular chilli powder. Adjust the chilli powder according to your taste.

    Can I reduce oil?

    For the best pickle taste, I would recommend the quantity of oil mentioned in the post. You can reduce the oil, but the tomato pickle taste might vary accordingly.

    What is Tomato Garlic Thokku?

    Tomato Garlic Thokku is a spicy, tangy South Indian condiment made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, tamarind, and chilli powders. It is slow‑cooked in sesame oil until thick, making it perfect for rice, idlis, dosa, and chapati.

    Why grind the tomatoes and garlic without water?

    Adding water reduces shelf life and makes the thokku watery. Grinding without water helps the mixture thicken faster and stay fresh longer.

    Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

    Yes. You can increase or decrease red chilli powder and Kashmiri chilli powder based on your heat preference. Kashmiri chilli adds color without too much heat.

    Why use sesame oil for this thokku?

    Sesame oil enhances flavor, increases shelf life, and gives the thokku its authentic Tamil-style taste.

    How long should I cook the thokku in the pressure cooker?

    Cook for about 20 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally. This helps the tomatoes break down completely and blend with the spices.

    My thokku looks watery after cooking. What should I do?

    Tomato varieties differ in water content. Simply continue cooking on low heat until it thickens to your preferred consistency.

    When should I add fenugreek powder?

    Add fenugreek powder only after the thokku thickens. Adding it too early can make the thokku bitter.

    Shelf life of tomato pickle?

    It stays good for months. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Always use a clean, dry spoon.

    Pickle  varieties in TMF

    curd rice

    tomato-based recipes

    Ingredients

    To Grind

    Ripe tomatoes – 8

    Garlic – 3 cloves

    Red chilli powder – ½ tbsp

    Tamarind – small gooseberry size

    Kashmiri chilli powder – 1 tbsp

    For Tempering 

    Sesame oil – ¼ cup

    Mustard seeds – 1 tsp

    Fenugreek seeds or powder – ½ tsp

    Curry leaves – a few

    Asafoetida – a pinch

    Garlic – ¼ cup, crushed

    Salt – as needed

    How to make thakkali poondu thokku with step-by-step pictures

    • ️ First, add ingredients under “to grind” and pulse a few times or grind according to preferred texture, without adding water

    • ️ Add oil to the pressure cooker. When the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter

    • ️ Add curry leaves, asafoetida, and crushed garlic; sauté well

    • ️ Add the blended purée and cook till it starts bubbling

    • ️ pressure Cook for 20 minutes and let the pressure settle down

    • ️ Open the cooker and mix well

    • ️ Depending on the variety of tomatoes, it may be watery
    • ️ When the thokku thickens, add fenugreek powder and continue cooking till it comes to your desired consistency

     

    • ️ Turn it off and let it cool down
    • ️ Store it in an airtight container

    thakkali poondu thokku

    tomato garlic thokku
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    Ingredients

    To Grind

    • Ripe tomatoes – 8
    • Garlic – 3 cloves
    • Red chilli powder – ½ tbsp
    • Tamarind – small gooseberry size
    • Kashmiri chilli powder – 1 tbsp

    For Tempering

    • Sesame oil – ¼ cup
    • Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
    • Fenugreek seeds or powder – ½ tsp
    • Curry leaves – a few
    • Asafoetida – a pinch

    thokku

    • Garlic – ¼ cup crushed
    • Salt – as needed

    Instructions

    • ️ First, add ingredients under “to grind” and pulse a few times or grind according to preferred texture, without adding water
    • ️ Add oil to the pressure cooker. When the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter
    • ️ Add curry leaves, asafoetida, and crushed garlic; sauté well
    • ️ Add the blended purée and cook till it starts bubbling
    • ️ pressure Cook for 20 minutes and let the pressure settle down
    • ️ Open the cooker and mix well
    • ️ Depending on the variety of tomatoes, it may be watery
    • ️ When the thokku thickens, add fenugreek powder and continue cooking till it comes to your desired consistency
    • ️ Turn it off and let it cool down
    • ️ Store it in an airtight container

    Video

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