Home made Tomato pickle

Best Homemade tomato pickle is a delightful condiment that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here’s a simple recipe for making tangy and spicy tomato pickle:

### Ingredients:

– **Ripe Tomatoes**: 4-5 medium-sized, chopped
– **Mustard Seeds**: 1 tablespoon
– **Fenugreek Seeds**: 1 teaspoon
– **Cumin Seeds**: 1 teaspoon
– **Red Chili Powder**: 1-2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
– **Turmeric Powder**: 1/2 teaspoon
– **Asafoetida (Hing)**: 1/4 teaspoon
– **Salt**: To taste
– **Oil**: 3 tablespoons (preferably sesame or mustard oil)
– **Tamarind**: A small lemon-sized piece or 2 tablespoons of tamarind paste
– **Jaggery or Sugar**: 1 tablespoon (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

### Instructions:

1. **Preparation:**
– Wash and chop the tomatoes into small pieces. Remove excess moisture by spreading them on a paper towel.

2. **Tempering:**
– Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
– Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
– Add the fenugreek seeds and cumin seeds. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
– Add the asafoetida and sauté briefly.

3. **Cooking Tomatoes:**
– Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan.
– Stir in the red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
– Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and become thick, and the oil starts to separate from the mixture. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

4. **Adding Tamarind:**
– If using tamarind paste, add it to the tomato mixture and cook for a few more minutes.
– If using fresh tamarind, soak it in a little water, extract the juice, and add it to the mixture.

5. **Adding Sweetener (Optional):**
– If you prefer a slightly sweet note, add jaggery or sugar and mix well. Cook for a couple of minutes until the sweetener is well incorporated and the mixture thickens.

6. **Cooling and Storing:**
– Allow the pickle to cool completely.
– Transfer it to a clean, dry glass jar.
– Store in the refrigerator. The pickle typically lasts for several weeks.

This tomato pickle is a flavorful addition to your meals, enhancing dishes like rice, parathas, or even sandwiches. Enjoy your homemade condiment!