A Chutney like no other – Try Assam’s Unique “Bilahir Tok”

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Bilahir Tok or Tomato Chutney is a traditional Assamese dish that is made with unripe green tomatoes, jaggery, and tamarind. It is a sweet and sour chutney-like dish that is often served as a side dish or condiment with rice, dal, or other curries like Assamese fish curry, Chicken Curry or Duck Curry.

To make Bilahir Tok or Tomato Chutney, unripe green tomatoes are first chopped and cooked in water until they are soft. Then, jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar) and tamarind pulp are added to the mixture, along with salt, red chili powder, and other spices. The mixture is then simmered until it thickens and forms a chutney-like consistency.

Bilahir Tok is a popular tomato chutney dish in Assam and is known for its unique sweet and sour flavor. It is also believed to have several health benefits. Green tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, while jaggery is a rich source of iron, magnesium, and potassium. Tamarind is also a good source of antioxidants and has been linked to several health benefits, including improved digestion and lower blood pressure.

Overall, Bilahir Tok is a healthy and flavorful tomato chutney that can be enjoyed as a part of a balanced diet. It is a good source of several important nutrients and can add a unique flavor to any meal.

bilahir tok tomato chutney

Bilahir Tok (Tomato Chutney)

Bilahir Tok is a traditional Assamese dish that is made with unripe green tomatoes, jaggery, and tamarind. It is a sweet and sour chutney-like dish that is often served as a side dish or condiment with rice, dal, or other curries.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Assamese, Indian
Servings 4 people
Calories 140 kcal

Equipment

  • 2 Pans

Ingredients
  

  • 4-5 medium-sized unripe green tomatoes chopped
  • 1/2 cup jaggery grated
  • 2 tbsp tamarind pulp
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1-2 dried red chilies
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed
  • 2-3 tbsp mustard oil
  • Coriander leaves chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a pan, add the chopped tomatoes and enough water to cover them. Bring it to a boil and then let it simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
  • Turn off the heat and mash the tomatoes using a potato masher or a spoon.
  • In a separate pan, heat mustard oil until it starts to smoke. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  • Add the dried red chilies and fry for a few seconds.
  • Add the mashed tomatoes to the pan and stir well.
  • Add the grated jaggery, tamarind pulp, red chili powder, roasted cumin powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix everything well.
  • Add some water to the pan and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture thickens and forms a chutney-like consistency.
  • Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down.
  • Garnish with chopped coriander leaves (optional) and serve as a side dish with rice, dal, or other curries.

Notes

Bilahir Tok is a low-fat dish and is a good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. However, it is also high in sugar due to the use of jaggery, so it should be consumed in moderation as a part of a balanced diet. Additionally, the nutritional value of Bilahir Tok can be increased by using less jaggery and more tomatoes to reduce the sugar content.
Keyword chutney, sour fish, sweet dish, tangy, tomato, unripe

The nutrition information for Bilahir Tok can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. However, here is a general idea of the nutrition profile of this dish:

  • Calories: 140
  • Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Sodium: 285mg
  • Sugar: 23g