Kollu thogayal is a traditional South Indian chutney made using horse gram (kollu) and is best enjoyed mixed with hot rice and a drizzle of ghee. This healthy and flavourful thogayal is also known as “kollu thuvaiyal” or “kollu chammandhi” in different regions.
horsegram recipes have always been a part of our ancestral cooking, especially during cooler months. This thogayal is simple, wholesome, and packed with nutrition. exactly the kind of food our grandmothers trusted. Kollu thogayal is a coarse chutney prepared by grinding cooked horsegram with red chillies, garlic, tamarind, and coconut. Unlike regular chutneys, thogayal has a thicker texture and is usually served with rice rather than idli or dosa.
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Horse gram is known for its medicinal and nutritional value.
- Rich in protein and fibre
- Helps in weight management
- Improves digestion
- Traditionally believed to reduce body heat and excess fat
- Good for people with diabetes and cholesterol, when consumed in moderation
This is why kollu-based dishes were commonly prepared in traditional South Indian households.
Kollu Thogayal for rice video recipe:
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Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked horse gram
- 2 dried red chillies
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 6 shallots
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- ⅛ tsp peppercorns
- A small pinch coriander seeds
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp grated coconut
- A small pinch tamarind
- Salt, to taste
There are two other versions of kollu chutney – spicy kollu chammandhi and another way traditional method of preparing kollu thogayal.
How to Make Kollu Thogayal (Step-by-Step)
- Soak horse gram overnight and pressure cook until soft. Measure 1 cup cooked horse gram and keep aside. You can use the remaining to make kollu rasam

- In a mixer jar, add cooked horse gram, red chillies, curry leaves, shallots, cumin seeds,



- peppercorns, coriander seeds, garlic, grated coconut,

- tamarind, and salt.

- Grind to a thick, coarse paste, adding little water as needed.

- Taste and adjust salt or spice if required.
Serving Suggestions
- Best served with hot rice and ghee
- Can also be paired with curd rice
Storage Tips
- Keeps well for 1–2 days when refrigerated
- Always use a clean, dry spoon
- For best flavour and freshness, consume on the same day
FAQs
Is Kollu Thogayal and Kollu Thuvaiyal the same?
Yes. They are essentially the same dish, known by different names in different regions.
Can I skip coconut?
Yes, but coconut balances the strong flavour of horse gram. Skipping it will make the thogayal more spicy.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on the number of red chillies used and can be easily adjusted.

Kollu Thogayal for rice – recipe card:
Kollu Thogayal
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked horsegram
- 2 no red chilli
- 1 spring curry leaves
- 6 no shallots
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/8 tsp peppercorns
- 1 small pinch coriander seeds
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp coconut grated
- 1 small pinch tamarind
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Grind all the above ingredients to a coarse paste adding very little water.