Tameta nu Shaak
A classic Gujarati comfort food, this simple tomato curry bursts with sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. It's quick to make and pairs perfectly with hot rotis or thepla for a wholesome meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Vaghar)
- b.Heat oil in a kadai or a medium-sized pan over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to pop and splutter completely, which should take about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the cumin seeds and asafoetida. Sauté for another 30 seconds until the cumin seeds sizzle and become fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes
- b.Add the grated ginger and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until the raw aroma of the ginger dissipates.
- c.Add the finely chopped tomatoes and mix everything together well.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Tomatoes and Spices
- b.Sprinkle salt over the tomatoes, which helps them cook faster. Cover the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- c.Continue cooking until the tomatoes become completely soft, mushy, and start to release oil at the sides of the pan.
- d.Add the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and coriander-cumin powder. Stir well and cook the spices for 1-2 minutes until they are aromatic.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Build and Simmer the Gravy
- b.If using besan for a thicker gravy, mix it with 2-3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create a smooth, lump-free slurry. Add this slurry to the pan and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook the besan.
- c.Pour in 1 cup of water and stir well to combine everything.
- d.Bring the curry to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Garnish
- b.Add the grated jaggery (or sugar) to the curry. Stir until it dissolves completely, balancing the tanginess of the tomatoes.
- c.Cook for one final minute.
- d.Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- e.Serve hot with phulka roti, thepla, or steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor and color, use ripe, red, and slightly tangy tomatoes.
- 2The jaggery is key to achieving the authentic sweet and sour (khatta-meetha) taste of Gujarati cuisine. Don't skip it!
- 3To make the popular 'Sev Tameta nu Shaak', add a generous amount of thick sev (like Ratlami or Bhavnagari Gathiya) on top of the curry just before serving. Do not cook the sev in the curry as it will become soggy.
- 4If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can skip the besan or add a little more water.
- 5This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Sev Tameta nu Shaak
The most popular variation. Prepare the shaak as directed and top with a generous handful of thick sev (ganthiya) just before serving for a crunchy texture.
Lasaniya Tameta nu ShaakLasaniya Tameta nu Shaak
For a garlicky flavor, add 4-5 cloves of finely chopped garlic along with the grated ginger in Step 2.
Bateta Tameta nu ShaakBateta Tameta nu Shaak
Add 1 medium potato, peeled and diced, after the tempering in Step 1. Sauté for a few minutes, then add a splash of water, cover, and cook until the potatoes are tender before adding the tomatoes.
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 is linked to a lower risk of certain chronic diseases.
Aids Digestion
Spices like cumin, ginger, and asafoetida are known for their digestive properties. They can help stimulate digestive enzymes, reduce bloating, and improve overall gut health.
Heart-Healthy
This dish is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The lycopene in tomatoes has been shown to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Tameta nu Shaak is generally a healthy dish. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants from tomatoes, and the spices used offer various digestive benefits. It is low in fat and calories, making it a good choice for a balanced meal.