Think of this Tomato Saar as Maharastra’s version of a Tomato Soup. Have it by itself or then with rice as it is traditionally served; either way you won’t be disappointed. 🙂
For a long-time, I was wondering what to make for this month’s A to Z Challenge where the star ingredient has to be with one whose name begins with the letter T. I mentally cycled through many recipes with turmeric, tamarind, and tomato; and then finally settled for this super simple Maharashtrian Tomato Saar.
One reason I chose this dish is because it fit into my recent theme for recipes that centered around soups, rasams and kadhis. The other is because I have been meaning to feature this simple dish on the blog for a while now but have never got around to it.
If you like tomato-based dishes, do try my recipes for:
- Bhandare Wale Aloo ki Sabzi | Vrat Wale Alu ki Sabzi
- Vegan Roasted Tomato and Red Bell Pepper Soup
- Easy Tomato Rice | Thakkali Sadam | Tomato Annam
- Tomato Upma: An Easy to Make Breakfast
- Tomato Nilava Pachadi | Andhra Tomato Pickle
How to Make Tomato Saar
-
Making the Tomato Coconut Puree
- Boil 2 cups of water.
- Add 3 large tomatoes (~250 gms of tomatoes) to the boiling water.
- Boil the tomatoes till the skin of the tomato splits. This took me about 7 minutes of boiling.
- Take the tomatoes out of the water into a plate and let them cool.
- Save the water in which the tomatoes were cooked.
- When the tomatoes cool, peel them and discard the skin.
- Cut the tomatoes in half.
- Grind the boiled tomatoes with 2 tbsp coconut into a fine paste.
-
Making the Tomato Saar
- In a heavy-bottomed vessel, heat 1/2 tsp of ghee or oil.
- Add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds and 1/2 tsp finely chopped green chillies.
- Stir-fry till the cumin seeds start to change colour.
- Add the tomato puree and mix well.
- Add 1 cup water, 1/4 tsp sugar, and some salt.
- Bring the Tomato Saar to a boil.
- Turn off the heat and garnish with 1 tbsp chopped coriander.
- Cover and set the Saar aside for 5 minutes.
-
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the hot Tomato Saar with steamed rice and papad.
I am taking this delicious Tomato Coconut Soup-like to dish to the A to Z Challenge this month.
Recipe for Tomato Saar
Maharashtrian Tomato Saar
Equipment
- 1 heavy-bottomed vessel (1 litre capacity)
- Blender
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 3 Large Tomatoes (250 gms)
- 2 tbsp Grated Coconut
- 1/4 tsp Sugar
- Salt to Taste
- 1/2 tsp Ghee or Oil
- 1/2 tsp Finely Chopped Green Chilli
- 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds
Instructions
- Boil 2 cups of water.
- Add 3 large tomatoes (~250 gms of tomatoes) to the boiling water.
- Boil the tomatoes till the skin of the tomato splits. This took me about 7 minutes of boiling.
- Take the tomatoes out of the water into a plate and let them cool.
- Save the water in which the tomatoes were cooked.
- When the tomatoes cool, peel them and discard the skin.
- Cut the tomatoes in half.
- Grind the boiled tomatoes with 2 tbsp coconut into a fine paste.
- In a heavy-bottomed vessel, heat 1/2 tsp of ghee or oil.
- Add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds and 1/2 tsp finely chopped green chillies.
- Stir-fry till the cumin seeds start to change colour.
- Add the tomato puree and mix well.
- Add 1 cup water, 1/4 tsp sugar, and some salt.
- Bring the Tomato Saar to a boil.
- Turn off the heat and garnish with 1 tbsp chopped coriander.
- Serve the hot Tomato Saar with steamed rice and papad.
Such a simple preparation without any spice powders. Yet looks so delicious. I like such comfort food.
Aruna, you are right – This makes a perfect soup as well as main course with rice! It is one of those quick and easy meals to make when having a busy day. Simple and flavorful.
Such a simple recipe, yet one that sounds so very flavourful! I love the addition of green chillies and coconut here – must have contributed such a punch. Also love the fact that there are absolutely no spice powders involved. This would double up as a soup as well as a beautiful accompaniment for rice.
my elder one loves all things tomato :p… this saar is simple, rustic, and flavourful to boot ! lovely…
Tomato soup are always a winter favorite .. I like this version with fresh coconut .. would love to try it soon. Looks so comforting and delicious
Aruna this is the kind of recipe that is definitely going down in my recipe book as its so easy to make. Any dish with tomatoes is on the top of the list for me. Hopefully Tomato Saar will be enjoyed soon with some rice by hubby and me.
This Maharashtrian style Tomato saar is a soulful comfort food for sure. Simple yet flavorful !
Tomato saar sounds so simple and easy to make with minimal ingredients yet so flavourful. Perfect dish to fix busy weekday meal. That colour is just so gorgeous!
I am totally in for this recipe that looks easy, simple and so delicious. So flavorful, Thanks for the share!
I am totally in for this recipe that looks easy, simple and so delicious. So flavorful, Thanks for the share!