Toushe Sassam

Ingredients:-

1. 1 medium sized tender Cucumber
2. 1/4 –1/2 cup coconut(depending upon the size of the Cucumber)
3. 4-5 red chillies roasted 
4. Small piece of tamarind
5. 1/4 tsp of mustard seeds
6. Salt to taste

1. 1/2 tsp of oil
2. Few curry leaves
3. 1/2 tsp mustard seeds

Method:-

                  Chop the cucumbers into small pieces ,apply salt and keep aside .

                        Transfer the coconut,red chillies and tamarind to the mixie jar and grind coarsely with minimal amount of water.

          Add mustard seeds to the same jar … 

                and grind again adding water and salt to obtain a smooth paste like shown below—

1. I do not prefer peeling the Cucumbers as the skin has lots of nutrients ..and I recommend the same.
2. If the cucumbers are not tender,remove the seeds while chopping.
3. The consistency of the dish should be medium,neither too thick nor runny.
4. The dish stays good for 2-3 hours without refrigeration.. the left overs can be refrigerated but it tastes good when freshly prepared.
5. The seasoning should be cooled and added for such cold dishes .. a tip I read somewhere and follow the same .. so thought of sharing with you also.
6. For a quick and oil free version replace the red chillies with 2-3 green chillies and avoid seasoning.Tastes equally delicious.

                         Here’s a picture of sassam with green chillies