Goan Tomato Saar
A light and tangy Goan tomato and coconut soup, bursting with coastal flavors. This comforting saar is gently spiced and slightly sweet, making it the perfect accompaniment to steamed rice for a simple, soulful meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté the Aromatics and Tomatoes
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- c.Add the sliced onion, chopped ginger, garlic, and slit green chilies. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
- d.Add the chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are completely soft and mushy.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Blend and Strain the Base
- b.Remove the pan from the heat and allow the tomato mixture to cool down completely.
- c.Transfer the cooled mixture to a blender and blend to a smooth puree. Add a splash of water if needed to help with blending.
- d.Place a fine-mesh sieve over a large pot and pour the puree through it. Use the back of a spoon to press the pulp and extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the fibrous solids left in the sieve.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Saar
- b.To the strained tomato puree in the pot, add 2 cups of water, coconut milk, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, tamarind paste, grated jaggery, and salt.
- c.Whisk everything together until well combined. Place the pot on medium-low heat.
- d.Bring the saar to a gentle simmer. It is crucial not to let it come to a rolling boil, as this can cause the coconut milk to curdle.
- e.Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Turn off the heat.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.In a small tempering pan (tadka pan), heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and wait for them to splutter, which takes about 30 seconds.
- d.Immediately add the curry leaves and hing. Be cautious as the leaves will splutter. Sauté for just 10 seconds.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Carefully pour the hot tempering over the prepared tomato saar and stir to combine.
- c.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Serve the Goan Tomato Saar hot with steamed rice for a comforting meal.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use ripe, red tomatoes for the best flavor, color, and natural sweetness.
- 2Do not boil the saar vigorously after adding coconut milk, as it can curdle. A gentle simmer is all that's needed.
- 3Adjust the amount of jaggery and tamarind to achieve your preferred balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- 4Straining the puree is optional but highly recommended for a silky smooth, restaurant-style texture.
- 5For a richer flavor, you can use freshly extracted thin coconut milk instead of canned.
- 6This saar tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Authentic Tang
For a more traditional Goan flavor, replace the tamarind paste with 2-3 pieces of dried kokum. Add the kokum along with the water and simmer.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of black pepper powder along with the other spices for extra heat.
No Onion/GarlicNo Onion/Garlic
You can make a 'Jain' or 'Satvik' version by omitting the onion and garlic. The saar will still be flavorful due to the other spices.
Creamier TextureCreamier Texture
For a slightly thicker and creamier saar, use regular (not light) coconut milk. Be extra careful not to boil it.
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 reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Aids Digestion
The spices used in the tempering, such as ginger, curry leaves, and hing (asafoetida), are known for their digestive properties, helping to prevent bloating and improve gut health.
Boosts Immunity
This saar contains ingredients like garlic, turmeric (with its active compound curcumin), and tomatoes (rich in Vitamin C), all of which contribute to a stronger immune system.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Turmeric and ginger are potent natural anti-inflammatory agents that can help reduce inflammation in the body, providing relief from related ailments.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving (approximately 1 cup or 245g) of Goan Tomato Saar contains around 120-150 calories, depending on the amount of oil and the fat content of the coconut milk used.