¼ tsp Fresh Ground Black Pepper (Kali Mirch) or to taste
⅛ tsp Asafoetida Powder (Hing)
Preparation:
Turn oven to broil (high broil if you have the option) and place a rack at the highest position
Place the whole tomatoes, garlic, and chiles on a baking sheet and place directly under the broiler - Allow to cook (rotating and giving them a shake occasionally) until tomatoes are nicely charred all over - NOTE: You may have to remove the tomatoes to allow the chiles to cook longer in order for them to get a nice char as well - You are only blackening the 'paper' surrounding the garlic cloves and slightly roasting the interior so there will be some smoke
Once the tomatoes garlic, and chiles are nicely charred, remove from oven and allow to cool until easily handled
While the tomatoes are cooling, place a small skillet over medium heat and heat the mustard oil until shimmering - Once the oil is hot, add the asafoetida and sauté for about 30 seconds to a minute or until the raw smell is gone - Remove from heat and set aside until needed
Once the tomatoes garlic, and chiles have sufficiently cooled, gently remove their skin and the chile stems - NOTE: You don't have to get all of the skin off of the tomatoes and chiles but do the best you can
Transfer the roasted and peeled chiles, roasted garlic, minced ginger, and 1 tsp of salt to a mortar and pestle or a small food processor and pound/pulse into a chunky paste - Transfer to a bowl and set aside until needed
To the same mortar and pestle or food processor (DO NOT rinse the bowl), add the roasted and peeled tomatoes - Pound/pulse into a slightly chunky paste - Transfer to the bowl containing the chile, garlic, ginger mixture
Add the mustard oil, chopped coriander leaves, and black pepper and thoroughly combine
Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and/or mustard oil as needed and serve
Can be served at room temperature or chilled alongside almost any Indian meal
Can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks