Tomato Saar is a classic Maharashtrian-style tomato soup, known for its tangy, mildly spicy, and slightly sweet flavor. It is a comforting dish often served with steamed rice or enjoyed as a warm, flavorful broth. Made with fresh tomatoes, coconut, and a tempering of spices, this dish is light, nutritious, and easy to prepare.
In this topic, we’ll guide you through an authentic Tomato Saar recipe, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful cooking tips.
What is Tomato Saar?
Tomato Saar is a thin, soupy dish made using boiled tomatoes, coconut, and traditional Indian spices. It is similar to rasam from South Indian cuisine but has a unique Maharashtrian twist, thanks to the coconut and tempering of mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves.
This dish is often prepared during festivals, family meals, or as a side dish to enhance the flavors of a traditional meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy to Make – Requires simple ingredients and minimal cooking time.
✔ Healthy & Nutritious – Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and lycopene.
✔ Vegan & Gluten-Free – Naturally plant-based and suitable for various diets.
✔ Perfect for All Seasons – Enjoy it hot in winter or as a light broth in summer.
Ingredients for Tomato Saar
Main Ingredients:
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4 medium-sized tomatoes, ripe and juicy
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¼ cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
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1-2 green chilies, chopped
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½ teaspoon turmeric powder
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½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon jaggery (or sugar)
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½ teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
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2 cups water
For Tempering (Tadka):
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1 tablespoon ghee (or oil for a vegan option)
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½ teaspoon mustard seeds
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½ teaspoon cumin seeds
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5-6 curry leaves
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1-2 dried red chilies (optional)
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1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
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1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Recipe for Tomato Saar
Step 1: Boil the Tomatoes
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Wash the tomatoes thoroughly.
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In a pot, add 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
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Add the tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the skin starts peeling.
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Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
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Peel off the skin and mash or blend the tomatoes into a smooth puree.
Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Mixture
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In a blender, add grated coconut, green chilies, and ¼ cup water.
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Blend until smooth.
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Strain if you prefer a finer texture (optional).
Step 3: Cook the Tomato Saar
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Heat a pan and pour in the tomato puree.
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Add the coconut mixture, turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and jaggery.
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Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
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Heat ghee (or oil) in a small pan.
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Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
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Add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, curry leaves, and asafoetida.
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Fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
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Pour this tempering over the tomato saar and mix well.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
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Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves on top.
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Serve hot with steamed rice or enjoy as a light soup.
Serving Suggestions
✔ With Steamed Rice: Traditionally served with plain basmati rice or ambe mohar rice.
✔ As a Soup: Enjoy as a warm, soothing drink on cold days.
✔ Side Dish for Thali: Pairs well with bhakri, chapati, or varan-bhaat (dal rice).
Tips for the Best Tomato Saar
✅ Use Ripe Tomatoes: The natural sweetness and acidity balance the flavors.
✅ Adjust Spice Levels: Increase or decrease green chilies and red chili powder to taste.
✅ Use Fresh Coconut: For authentic taste, but desiccated coconut works too.
✅ Don’t Skip the Jaggery: It enhances the flavor without making the saar overly sweet.
✅ For a Smoother Consistency: Strain the tomato puree before cooking.
Health Benefits of Tomato Saar
✔ Rich in Antioxidants – Tomatoes are high in lycopene, which supports heart health.
✔ Boosts Immunity – Contains vitamin C and anti-inflammatory spices.
✔ Aids Digestion – The light, tangy broth helps with digestion and gut health.
✔ Low in Calories – A healthy, guilt-free addition to any meal.
Variations of Tomato Saar
1️⃣ Tomato Saar Without Coconut – Skip the coconut and add more tempering for a different taste.
2️⃣ Spicy Tomato Saar – Increase the quantity of green chilies and red chili powder.
3️⃣ Tomato Saar with Garlic – Add crushed garlic in the tempering for extra flavor.
4️⃣ Tangy Saar with Tamarind – Add 1 teaspoon tamarind paste for a tangier version.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using Unripe Tomatoes: Can make the saar too sour.
❌ Adding Too Much Water: Can dilute the flavor, so adjust as needed.
❌ Overcooking the Spices: Burnt tempering can make the dish bitter.
Tomato Saar is a simple yet flavorful dish that adds warmth and comfort to any meal. Whether paired with rice, chapati, or enjoyed as a soup, its balance of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors makes it a favorite in Maharashtrian cuisine.
Try this authentic recipe at home, and enjoy a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that brings a traditional taste to your kitchen!