Spicy Tomato chutney II

We have by now at least read or heard about the mine disaster in W.Va which killed many miners. I felt sad and thought to myself that it is impossible to even imagine the loss and suffering the family is going through and that is probably how much thought I gave for the issue. It hit me real hard when in a radio program one of the commentators said and I am paraphrasing "how many Americans understand or even think about the lives of the miners when they turn on their lights everyday".

In the same vein how many of us think about the trials and tribulations of inventors before they get their inventions into the market. We were watching a movie "Flash of genius" based on the life of inventor Bob Kearns. What is his invention? You are driving in heavy rain and it is raining heavily and you can't see a thing, you extend your hand and turn on the windshield wiper, that's when you should think of him. Credit for his invention did not come easily. The big auto used his invention without giving him credit and the cases were in the court for many many years.

We have all seen the high emotions that we bloggers go through when we suspect someone has copied our recipes or pictures without giving due credit. I am not condoning the practice but a little perspective will go a long way.

I am sorry if I have wrecked your moods but will make it up with this spicy tomato chutney. This chutney is my attempt to recreate the taste from memory after tasting it at a potluck and not being able to locate the maker. When DH asked if I had made the same chutney, my mind screamed Yes! I might have said it aloud too but don't remember. I was glad there was acknowledgment for my invention ;)

Spicy Tomato Chutney
Ingredients
1. 1 cup chopped tomatoes
2. 1/4 cup chopped red onion
3. 2 tbsp grated coconut (or even 3 tbsp)
4. 1/2 tbsp channa dal
5. 1 tsp urad dal
6. 4 red chilies
7. a few pepper corns
8. a few coriander seeds
9. a few cumin seeds
10. 10-15 curry leaves
11. a small 1 inch piece of tamarind
12. salt to taste

Method
1. In a pan heat a tsp of oil, saute the 4-9 and set aside (the dals should get a golden color)
2. Add the onions and saute till they are brown.
3. add the curry leaves and tamarind and saute for a minute.
4. Add the tomatoes and saute till they are soft and mushy.
5. Add the coconut and give a good mix, add the salt and let it cool.
6. Blend the dals first but not to a smooth powder but a bit coarse for texture.
7. Add the rest of the ingredients (avoid adding any water) and blend till the tomatoes and onions are completely blended. (The texture does not have to be very smooth but if you want it smooth that is fine too.)