Apple Tokku

It has been a benign winter till now. I guess we have earned it by going though the very eventful 2011 weather-wise, first the 'Snowmegadon', then 'Irene' then the scorching summer in between, of course the autumn snow fall that ruined my sunny boy's big day.Still there are cold days in between, that begs for food that warms you from within, things like hot rice, ghee and Tokku like Mango, Tamarind Tokku or may be the more season appropriate Apple Tokku..
Granny Smith apples are quite tart and they hold up to the cooking as well. I have never tried any other variety. The ones that I used was just not tart enough so I ended up using a little bit of Tamarind as well.

We will need,

Granny Smith Apples 2
Fenugreek seeds 1/4 tsp
Peanut oil 1/4 cup
Mustard seeds 1/4 tsp
Jeera  1/4 tsp
Turmeric 1/4 tsp
Hing a dash
Red chilli powder 2 tsp (adjust according to taste)
Tamarind extract 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
Jaggery 1 tbsp ( or less depending on taste)

Method

• Wash the apples and wipe it dry. Grate it over a box grater and set it aside for a minute.
• Heat a skillet toast the fenugreek seeds and once fragrant remove it on a cool plate, set it aside.
• Pour the oil into the skillet. Throw in the mustard seeds, Jeera, turmeric and hing in quick succession.
• Add the grated apples and cook on medium heat for a few minutes till the apples slight change in color.
• Crush the fenugreek seeds using a rolling pin, and throw it into the skillet with the apples. 
• Stir in the chilli powder, tamarind extract and Jaggery. Cook till the apples are soft and the mixture resembles a thick jam in consistency.
• Adjust salt and mix well. Remove from heat. Stores well in the refrigerator for a week.