Tomato Saaru
A light and tangy South Indian soup made with ripe tomatoes, lentils, and aromatic spices. This comforting Tomato Saaru is the perfect accompaniment to steamed rice and a dollop of ghee.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Pressure Cook Dal and Tomatoes
- b.In a 2 or 3-liter pressure cooker, combine the rinsed toor dal, chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, and 1.5 cups of water.
- c.Secure the lid and pressure cook on medium heat for 4-5 whistles, or for about 12-15 minutes, until the dal is completely soft and mushy.
- d.Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the cooker.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Saaru Base
- b.While the dal is cooking, soak the tamarind piece in 1/2 cup of warm water for 10 minutes. Squeeze the tamarind well to extract all the pulp into the water, then discard the fibrous solids.
- c.Once the pressure cooker is safe to open, use a whisk or an immersion blender to mash the cooked dal and tomato mixture into a smooth puree.
- d.Transfer this puree to a medium-sized pot. Add the prepared tamarind water, rasam powder, jaggery, salt, and 2 additional cups of water. Stir everything together until well combined.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Saaru
- b.Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- c.Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. The saaru is ready when a light, aromatic froth forms on the surface.
- d.Avoid boiling it vigorously for too long, as this can make the spices taste bitter. Turn off the heat.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.In a small pan (tadka pan), heat the ghee over medium heat.
- c.Once the ghee is hot, add the mustard seeds and wait for them to splutter completely, which takes about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the cumin seeds, hing, broken dried red chilies, optional crushed garlic, and curry leaves. Sauté for another 30-40 seconds until the curry leaves are crisp and the mixture is fragrant.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Carefully pour the hot tempering over the prepared saaru in the pot. You will hear a satisfying sizzle.
- c.Immediately cover the pot with a lid for 2-3 minutes to allow the aromas of the tempering to infuse into the saaru.
- d.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves, stir gently, and serve hot with steamed rice, papad, and a vegetable side dish.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor and color, use ripe, juicy, and slightly sour country tomatoes (naati tomatoes).
- 2The key to a perfect saaru is not to over-boil it after adding the rasam powder. Simmer gently until a froth appears on top.
- 3Using ghee for tempering provides an authentic, rich aroma, but you can substitute it with a neutral oil like sunflower or canola oil.
- 4If you don't have whole tamarind, you can use 1 teaspoon of concentrated tamarind paste mixed in 1/2 cup of water.
- 5For a spicier version, add 1/2 teaspoon of freshly crushed black peppercorns along with the rasam powder.
- 6Tomato saaru develops more flavor as it sits. It often tastes even better the next day.
Adapt it for your goals.
Mysore Rasam Style
Add 1 tablespoon of freshly ground rasam powder made with coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black pepper, and a small piece of coconut for a thicker, more aromatic version.
Garlic Lover's SaaruGarlic Lover's Saaru
Increase the garlic to 5-6 cloves. Add half while pressure cooking the dal and the other half in the tempering for a robust garlic flavor.
Lentil Free VersionLentil-Free Version
For a lighter soup, skip the toor dal. Simply boil and puree the tomatoes, then proceed with the recipe. This is known as 'Tomato Charu' in some regions.
With VegetablesWith Vegetables
Add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or drumsticks along with the tomatoes in the pressure cooker for added nutrition and texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports heart health.
Aids Digestion
The combination of tamarind, cumin, hing (asafoetida), and black pepper in the saaru stimulates digestive enzymes, promoting better gut health and preventing indigestion.
Boosts Immunity
Spices like turmeric (containing curcumin) and garlic have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help strengthen the immune system.
Good Source of Protein
The inclusion of toor dal (pigeon peas) provides a good amount of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Tomato Saaru is very healthy. It's a light, low-calorie soup packed with nutrients. Tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene, toor dal offers plant-based protein and fiber, and spices like turmeric, cumin, and hing have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.