Tomato Saar - A Soup of Maharastra #Soupswappers

Our Host Ashley Ramaker Lecker for Soup Swappers asked to share a recipe unique to your state, city, or even your neighborhood! Today I, am sharing a recipe from my very own state.. Maharashtra.

Maharashtrian Tomato Saar is a spicy tomato soup made with curry leaves, coconut and chillies. This soup is staple food in every Maharashtrian household, it's light and usually had with Masale Bhaat , This combo is must in Maharastrians wedding menu.
Ingredients
4 Red Ripe & Firm Tomatoes
1/2  Cup Packed Freshly Grated Coconut 
3  Dried Red Chillies  - soaked in warm water
1'' Piece ginger
1 Teaspoon Jaggery
1 Teaspoon Tamarind paste 
Salt to taste
A Spring Curry leaves
1 + 1/2 Teaspoon Cumin seeds
2 Tablespoons Desi Ghee
A Pinch Asafoetida (hing)

Method

Cook the tomatoes in a pressure cooker, add 1/2 cup  water. Take 2 whistles and let the cooker cool. After cooking remove the tomatoes and peel the skin.  Then blend it along with the water in which they were blanched.
In a small blender jar add grated coconut,1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, soaked dry red chillies, ginger and make a fine paste. 

In a large pot or skillet add this paste, tomato puree, tamarind paste, salt, jaggery and bring it to boil. Reduce the flame to sim and let it simmer for a few minutes for all the flavors to blend.  
In the meantime let's prepare the tempering /tadka 

Heat ghee in a small pan, adding cumin seeds, curry leaves, when they sizzle take off flame  and then add the asafoetida.

Pour this immediately into the Tomato Saar and cover it . Let is simmer on medium flame for a few  minutes.  
 Serve hot and enjoy with Masale Bhaat.

Labels : Soup, Tomato Saar, Maharashtra, Maharastrian Cuisine, Soup Swappers, Healthy

8 comments:

  1. Now, how perfect is a soup traditionally served at weddings? It sounds amazing, Sneha!

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  2. Sneha, I am so happy that you are part of this group. Your recipes add so much zest and spice each month. I love this recipe and I love that you share your culture with us each month. This was the best theme ever!

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  3. I am totally in love with jaggery, which I just bought the other day - the smell is amazing, we have a product in Brazil called "rapadura" that reminds me of it...

    wonderful soup, I can imagine the spices and background of sweetness

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  4. Loving tomato soup and loving the spices of Indian cuisine, I know that I would enjoy this soup! I spent a week in your lovely state on a study trip...years ago....I am sorry that I missed enjoying this soup, but now I can make it!

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  5. I cannot wait to give this a try! Thanks for sharing!

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  6. I love learning more about where you are from through your food - this soup sounds lovely

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  7. I love this Sneha! Thanks so much for the story behind this soup.

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  8. This is going on the must try at some point in my life list. It sounds lovely!

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