Pudina Thokku – South Indian Spicy Mint Relish
A bold and flavorful South Indian-style mint relish, also known as pudina thokku, that’s sure to awaken your taste buds! This spicy, tangy condiment is a pantry favorite in many Tamil homes and can be used in so many delicious ways. Here’s my detailed, tested recipe that’s both simple to make and deeply satisfying.
Servings: 4
Calories: 171kcal
Ingredients
Measurement Details: 1 cup= 240ml; 1 tbsp= 15ml; 1 tsp = 5ml;
To roast:
- 2 tsp coriander seeds
- ½ tsp fenugreek seeds
- ¼ tsp peppercorns
- ¼ tsp cumin seeds
- 5 - 7 dried red chilies adjust to taste
For sautéing:
- 1 tsp sesame/gingelly oil
- 5 shallots peeled
- 60 g mint leaves cleaned, stems removed
- 5-7 g tamarind gooseberry-sized piece
To grind:
- ¾ cup water divided: ½ cup + ¼ cup
To cook the thokku:
- 3 tbsp sesame/gingelly oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- ½ tsp asafoetida
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- 1¼ tsp salt or to taste
Instructions
- Take a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai and add the coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, peppercorns, cumin seeds, and dried red chilies.
- Roast over medium-low heat until the spices turn fragrant and the fenugreek seeds deepen in color (a rich reddish-brown).
- Once roasted, remove the meat from the pan and transfer it to a mixer jar. Set aside to cool
- In the same pan, heat 1 tsp of gingelly (sesame) oil. Once hot, add the shallots and sauté until they turn soft and slightly translucent.
- Add the mint leaves next and sauté until they wilt completely. Toss in the tamarind at this stage to let it soften with the residual heat.
- Once the mint has wilted nicely, turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the cooled mint mixture to the mixer jar with the roasted spices.
- Add ½ cup of water and grind everything into a semi-smooth paste. (It doesn’t have to be completely smooth—some texture is good!)
- Reheat the same pan and add 3 tbsp of sesame (gingelly) oil. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add a generous pinch of asafoetida, then pour in the ground mint-spice paste.
- Rinse the mixer jar with ¼ cup of water and add that to the pan as well.
- Add salt and mix well.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the moisture has evaporated and the oil starts to release from the sides. The thokku should come together into one cohesive mass or ball.
- This step usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your stove and cookware. Avoid leaving the thokku unattended during this stage—it’s crucial for flavor and shelf life.
- Turn off the heat and allow it to cool completely before storing or serving.
Video
Notes
- Adjust the spice level: This is intended to be a spicy relish. If you’re spice-sensitive, reduce to 3–4 red chilies, but don’t go below that if you want that traditional kick.
- No garlic version: This recipe doesn’t use garlic. The flavor comes entirely from mint and shallots. You can add 1–2 cloves of garlic if you prefer, but I love the clean taste without it.
- Shelf life: This thokku keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Always use a clean, dry spoon to avoid spoilage.
- Cooking tip: The key to long shelf life and great flavor is slow cooking on low heat. Don’t rush it or use high heat.
Nutrition
Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 744mg | Potassium: 412mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1179IU | Vitamin C: 89mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 2mg