Thoothuvalai Thokku (Climbing Brinjal) – 100g

Thoothuvalai is the herb Tamil families turn to in the cold season — it appears in rasam, in soup and in podi, and this thokku is simply another way of getting it into the daily meal. The leaves are ground and cooked down in wood-pressed groundnut oil with tamarind, mustard, fenugreek, chilli and asafoetida.

It has a distinct, slightly bitter edge that mellows against hot rice and ghee. Also good with curd rice, idli and dosa. A teaspoon per meal.

Traditionally associated with the chest, throat and breathing, and with joint and bone comfort. Keep the oil layer on top undisturbed.