Tomato Saar is a simple, soupy tomato preparation that my mum would whip up whenever she needed something quick, light, and comforting for lunch / dinner. It’s one of those dishes that feels soothing and nourishing, especially when paired with rice.
Ingredients
4 large ripe tomatoes
Salt, to taste
Water, as needed
For the tempering (tadka):
½ tsp mustard seeds
½ tsp cumin seeds
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 dried red chilli, broken into two
A few curry leaves
Oil, for tempering
Method
Boil the tomatoes until they are soft and mushy. Allow them to cool slightly, then blend into a smooth paste.
Add water to the tomato purée to dilute it. The consistency should be somewhere between a light broth and a thick tomato soup — not too runny.
Season with salt and set aside.
Heat oil in a small pan.
Add the mustard seeds and let them pop.
Add the cumin seeds, followed by the curry leaves, crushed garlic, and dried red chilli. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Carefully pour this tempering into the tomato mixture.
Bring everything to a gentle boil, then let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavours come together.
Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped coriander leaves for garnish and extra flavour. Tomato Saar is delicious served with steamed rice and a simple vegetable side or Mangalorean style fried fish, but it’s also quite tasty on its own. Sometimes, I prefer to just sip on a nice warm bowl of it — light, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
Mrs. Mack's Spice of Life! 