🍒 CRANBERRY THOKKU (SPICY RELISH)

Tangy, festive, and beautifully desi

🌶️ Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ Medium | Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 20 min | Serves: 10–12 (as condiment)| Calories (approx): ~78 kcal

🥟 Crunch, Spice & Condiments on the Side

🌿 Introduction

Cranberry Thokku is what happens when a bold berry meets the warmth of South Indian spices — tart cranberries simmered

with tamarind, jaggery, and a whisper of fenugreek. It’s a dish that tells a story of two traditions: the crimson of Thanksgiving

and the fire of an Indian kitchen.

Born from a craving to blend cultures, this relish now sits proudly beside turkey, dosas, and everything in between..

“A spoonful of thokku is a bridge — between seasons, kitchens, and hearts.” ~ Maya Shetty

CRANBERRY THOKKU (SPICY RELISH)

Tangy South Indian cranberry thokku – spiced relish simmered to a glossy finish.

Photo by Stirred By Spice

📝 Ingredients

Cranberry Mix

2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
1 tbsp tamarind paste
1 tbsp jaggery or brown sugar

Masala Base

2 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
Pinch asafoetida
1/8 tsp fenugreek powder (roasted)
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp red chili powder

🍽️ Instructions

Make the Fenugreek Powder — Dry roast fenugreek seeds until fragrant. Cool and grind coarsely.
Cook the Spices — In a heavy pan, heat sesame oil. Add mustard seeds, let them splutter. Stir in asafoetida, fenugreek powder, turmeric, and chili powder.
Add Cranberries — Tip in cranberries and let them burst, releasing their tart juices.
Simmer to Balance — Stir in tamarind paste and jaggery. Cook until the mixture thickens and the oil begins to separate.
Cool & Store — Cool completely and transfer to a clean jar. Keeps for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

Optional Serving Notes

Pair with festive mains, cheese boards, or even plain rice. The tangy heat cuts through rich flavors — a perfect companion for both Thanksgiving spreads and dosa mornings.

💬 Soulful Note

From the cranberry bogs of New England to the spice-scented kitchens of South India — this relish carries the taste of gratitude and the memory of home.

📚 Cook’s Wisdom / FAQs

Cook's Wisdom

Tip: A touch of sesame oil gives authentic flavor and extends shelf life.

Q : Can I make it less spicy?.
A : Yes, reduce red chili powder and add extra jaggery for balance.
Q : How long can I store it?
A : Up to two weeks refrigerated — use a dry spoon to serve.

📊 Nutrition (Per Serving — Approx.)

Calories 78kcal
Protein 2g
Carbs 14g
Fat 3g
Fiber 7g
Sugar: 7g
Vitamin C: 22%

🍲 The Bottom Line

This Cranberry Thokku is a celebration of fusion — the tang of Thanksgiving meeting the warmth of Indian tradition.

It’s not just a relish, it’s a reminder that flavors, like people, find magic when they come together.