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TOMATO SAARU
Saaru, refers to rasam in coastal Karnataka. So, this rasam is called ‘tomato saaru’. Tomato saaru is a no onion and no garlic recipe and hence it is referred to as a "satvik" recipe. A spicy, tangy, lentil-based soup typically had with steamed rice.

Tomato Saaru Recipe: Image
Prep.
Cook and mash tuvar dal
Finely chop tomatoes
Chop cilantro
If you are using fresh tamarind pulp, keep the extract ready from 1 lime-sized tamarind.
Ingredients:
Water - 4-5 cups (approx.)
Tamarind pulp - 1.5 tbsp. (or extract from 1 big lime sized tamarind)
Jaggery - 2 tsp. (can reduce if you prefer less sweetness)
Turmeric powder - ¼ tsp
Curry leaves - 1 sprig
Tomato - 2 no.s (200 gms. approx.)
Salt-1 tsp (or as per taste)
Thindi Box Saaru Podi - 2-3 tsp (adjust as per spice preference)
Hingue (asafoetida) - ¼ tsp
Tuvar Dal (cooked & mashed) – ½ cup
Cilantro (finely chopped)-2 tbsp
Green chilli-1 (optional- if you like extra heat)
For Tempering:
Ghee - 1 tsp
Mustard seeds - ½ tsp
Red chilies - 1
Hingue (asafoetida) - ½ tsp
Curry leaves - from 1 sprig
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Method
Take 3 cups of water in a vessel and allow it to start boiling.
Add tamarind pulp, jaggery, and turmeric powder to the hot water. Let it come to a rolling boil.
Now add curry leaves, tomato, and salt to the vessel. Allow the tomatoes to get well cooked.
Now time to add Thindi Box Saaru Podi and hingue (and green chilli if you plan to use it for extra heat). Let it simmer.
Tuvar dal, cooked and mashed to be added once the raw smell of spices is gone. Lower the flame and keep stirring in between.
Add more water (1-2 cups) to adjust the consistency, if required.
Let it simmer for a few minutes. Keep stirring in between to make sure it doesn’t get burnt.
Prepare the tempering and pour it on top of the tomato saaru.
Garnish with plenty of fresh coriander leaves!
Enjoy!
Notes:
Saaru/Rasam is popularly referred to as South Indian soup. It is watery in consistency. It is served piping hot with rice or consumed as a spicy soup.
Thindi Box Saaru Podi spice blend can also be used to flavor South Indian style vegetable stir fry (palya) for vegetables like potato, cauliflower, mixed vegetables, etc.
Tomato Saaru Recipe: Recipes
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