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Maharashtrian Tomato Saar

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Maharashtrian Tomato Saar is a warming and mildly spiced soup made with tomatoes, fresh coconut, and a few spices. A comforting tangy tomato broth is regular in Maharashtrian households and is typically served along with steamed rice.

Close up look of Maharashtrian Tomato Saar served in a copper vessel along with some rice on the side.
Maharashtrian Tomato Saar

This Tomato coconut saar can be slurped on its own and is a perfect light accompaniment to your summer meals. The piping hot tomato coconut soup is also good during harsh winters.  

It has the perfect balance of flavors. Tomatoes impart the tanginess, coconut adds a bit of sweetness as well as texture to the soup. The spices like cumin, green chilies, red chili, etc give the required spice kick.

Ingredients and Replacements used in making Maharashtrian Tomato Saar

Tomatoes – Use fresh tomatoes for this recipe. Blanch the tomatoes. This helps in easy removal of the skin and will remove the raw flavor. 

One can use canned tomatoes, but it will change the taste and texture. I have never used it.

Coconut – I am using fresh coconut in this recipe. One can use frozen too. Only some do add coconut milk instead of coconut, I have never used it so cannot comment on the final taste of the dish.

Garlic – I have used garlic. Few even add onion to this recipe. One can skip garlic and onion to make it a no onion no garlic meal or add both. 

Curry leaves, Green chili, Cumin seeds, Red Chili powder, and salt are the spices added for flavoring and taste.

Water is used to balance the consistency.

Close up look of Maharashtrian Tomato Saar served in a copper vessel along with some rice on the side.
Maharashtrian Tomato Saar

Recipe process of Maharashtrian Tomato Saar

Making this saar is easy and can be done in less than 20-30 minutes. Tomatoes are blanched and pureed. A paste is made along with coconut, cumin, garlic, and red chili powder. The paste is then cooked and tomato puree is added. It is then allowed to simmer until done. 

Accompaniments with Coconut Tomato Soup

This goes best as a soup or traditionally served with steamed rice also called mao bhaat. It is best accompaniment to a Maharashtrian Thali or your everyday thali meals or simply with some Masale bhaat.

Shelf life of Tomato Coconut Saar

This stays good in the fridge for 2-3 days. One can even freeze this in portions in the freezer. Defrost as required, and boil before consuming.

Close up look of Maharashtrian Tomato Saar served in a copper vessel along with some rice on the side.
Maharashtrian Tomato Saar

I decided to post this recipe for our Shhhh Cooking Secretly group, where Narmadha from Cook with Nams asked us to make soups for the upcoming season. I love her healthy Banana Stem Soup.

where Archana from The Mad Scientist’s Kitchen gave me garlic and mustard seeds and I decided to make this healthy Maharashtrian Tomato Saar.

I gave her garlic and pepper and shed made this autumn favourite Leek and Potato Soup.

Close up look of Maharashtrian Tomato Saar served in a copper vessel along with some rice on the side. Seen are some artificial flowers too on the side.
Maharashtrian Tomato Saar
Close up look of Maharashtrian Tomato Saar served in a copper vessel along with some rice on the side.

Maharashtrian Tomato Saar

Maharashtrian Tomato Saar is a warming and mildly spiced soup made with tomatoes, fresh coconut, and a few spices.
5 from 8 votes
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian, Maharashtrian
Keyword: Vegetables, Winter Recipes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 161kcal
Author: Renu Agrawal-Dongre

Ingredients

  • 3 Tomatoes Medium sized
  • 1 tablespoon Oil
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 8-10 Curry Leaves
  • 1-2 green chilies chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon Red chili powder Optional, if required more
  • Water as required for blanching and adding to saar/soup.

For Coconut Paste

  • ¼ Cup Fresh coconut
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
  • Water as required to make a smooth paste.

Instructions

Blanching Tomatoes

  • In a pot add the water.
    Water
  • Slit the tomatoes from the top and add it to the water.
    3 Tomatoes
    Slit tomatoes.
  • Tomatoes added in a pot of water.
  • Let the water come to a boil.
  • Reduce the stove to medium and let the water boil for 8-10 minutes until the peel starts coming out from the top and the tomatoes are done.
  • Switch off and let it cool.
  • Remove the tomatoes and peel the skin.
  • Chop the tomatoes roughly.
    Chopped Tomatoes
  • Add the tomatoes in a blender and make a smooth puree.
  • Pass this through a sieve to remove the seeds and peel if there.

Making coconut paste

  • In a blender add the coconut, cumin seeds, and red chili powder.
    ¼ Cup Fresh coconut, 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
    Coconut, cumin seeds and red chili powder in a blender
  • Blend to a smooth paste using water as required.
    Water

Making of Tomato Saar

  • In a heavy bottom pot add oil.
    1 tablespoon Oil
  • Once hot add mustard seeds and let it splutter.
    1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • Add curry leaves, and green chilies and saute for a few seconds.
    8-10 Curry Leaves, 1-2 green chilies
  • Now add the coconut paste and saute it on low to medium.
  • Cook this until the coconut paste is done. It will take around 4-5 minutes on slow.
    Cooked coconut paste
  • The coconut paste is done when it releases oil.
  • Now add the tomato puree, and mix.
    Adding of tomato puree
  • Add water to adjust the consistency.
    Water
  • Add salt, and sugar.
    Salt, 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • Add red chili powder if required.
    ¼ teaspoon Red chili powder
    Adding of red chilli powder.
  • Simmer for 8-10 minutes on low until done.
    Ready Tomato Saar
  • Serve hot with some steamed rice.

Video

Notes

  • Standard US-size cups are used for measurements.
  • Measurements are a rough guide; one can adjust as required.
  • Read above for substitutions.
 
I am not a nutritionist. The nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It varies depending upon the product types or brands.
Tried this recipe?Share your feedback @cookwithrenu_ad or tag #cookwithrenu_ad
Nutrition Facts
Maharashtrian Tomato Saar
Amount Per Serving
Calories 161 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Trans Fat 0.03g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Sodium 109mg5%
Potassium 526mg15%
Carbohydrates 14g5%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 8g9%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 2072IU41%
Vitamin C 108mg131%
Calcium 54mg5%
Iron 2mg11%
* I am not a nutritionist. The nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It varies depending upon the product types or brands.
Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist. The nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It varies depending upon the product types or brands.

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Recipe Rating




Sasmita Sahoo

Wednesday 3rd of January 2024

Maharashtrian Tomato Saar looks so warming..... Love to make this mildly spiced soup

Vasusvegkitchen

Friday 15th of December 2023

Maharashtra style tomato Saar looks very tasty, coconut masala added surely gives different taste than our regular rasam. I'm going to try this soon.

Seema

Thursday 14th of December 2023

Maharashtrian tomato saar is one of my favourite winter recipes.I loved mking it again with your recipe.

Narmadha

Thursday 14th of December 2023

Tomato saar looks so comforting and delicious. Would love to try it soon as my daughter loves warm bowl of soup.

Priya Iyer

Tuesday 12th of December 2023

I totally love the sound of this soup. Sounds very Indian and very flavourful.

Reminds me of Chettinadu-styld tomato soup, which I adore. Will definitely try this out soon.