Tomato Achar

Description
This a condiment prepared with tomatoes and Himalayan spices and herbs.

Ingredients

 * 4 large ripe tomatoes or 2 cups ripe cherry tomatoes
 * 5 fresh hot red chili peppers, minced
 * 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
 * 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
 * 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
 * 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
 * 1 teaspoon ground szechwan pepper (timur)
 * ¼ teaspoon asafetida powder
 * 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
 * 2 tablespoons lime juice
 * 1 tablespoon mint leaves, chopped (optional)
 * 1 tablespoon cooking oil
 * salt

Garnish

 * 1 tablespoon oil
 * 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
 * 10 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
 * 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Directions

 * 1) Roast tomatoes in oven for about 30 minutes, or until charred.
 * 2) Remove charred skin and reserve flesh in a bowl.
 * 3) In a sauce pan, heat oil.
 * 4) Add cumin and mustard seeds; fry for 30 seconds or so.
 * 5) Add chilies, garlic, ginger, timur, asafetida, lime juice and salt; stir for a minute.
 * 6) In a blender, combine roasted tomatoes, chopped cilantro and mint, if used, and spice mixture; process to form smooth paste-like mixture (can be made chunkier, if desired).
 * 7) Transfer into a large bowl.
 * 8) For garnish, in a non-stick pan heat one tablespoon of oil, splitter fenugreek until it turns dark.
 * 9) Add slices of garlic and fry till light brown.
 * 10) Pour the garlic-oil mixture and chopped cilantro over the tomato mixture.
 * 11) Mix well and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.