STUFFED TOMATO

Ingredients

• 9 small tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 inch of fresh peeled and chopped ginger
• 2 tbsp unsweetened and shredded coconut
• 1 handful fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 cup roasted and ground peanuts
• ½ cup water
• ½ tsp masala powder
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ black mustard seeds
• 2 tbsp safflower oil
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• 2 cups water
• 1-pinch hing

Method –

The tomatoes are washed properly. Cut them lengthwise from the tip to ½ inch from the stem and cut again across this cut, forming a cross (+). Be careful not to cut right through the tomato. Now put the ginger, garlic, cilantro and coconut with ½ cup of water in a blender and blend until liquefied. Mix together the blended mixture, peanuts, turmeric, salt, masala powder and sugar to make a thick paste. One can use his/her hand for the same.

Now heat a deep frying pan on medium fire and add the oil, cumin seeds, mustard seeds and hing. Stir until the seeds pop up. Put in the tomatoes now and stir very gently. Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat to low fire and partially cover. Cook until tender for about 10 minutes.

Medicinal value –

Tomatoes being nightshades are usually have a negative effect on the tridoshic balance. If taken in excess, may elevate Pitta. The seasoning of this dish removes these harmful effects. Moreover the spices, masala, garlic etc makes it more digestible. This is an excellent for appetite. It also increases the interest in food irrespective of one’s mood.

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