Tomato Shorba
A light, tangy, and wonderfully aromatic Indian tomato soup. This comforting shorba, spiced with whole garam masala, is the perfect warm appetizer or a light, satisfying meal on its own.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a deep pot or pressure cooker over medium heat.
- c.Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and black peppercorns. Sauté for about 30-45 seconds until they become fragrant.
- d.Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent.
- e.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook Tomatoes
- b.Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and sugar to the pot.
- c.Mix everything well. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and become soft and mushy.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Shorba
- b.Pour in the vegetable stock or water and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- c.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- d.Alternatively, if using a pressure cooker, secure the lid and cook for 2-3 whistles on medium heat.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Blend and Strain
- b.Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down for at least 10 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick.
- c.Carefully transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until you get a completely smooth puree. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
- d.Place a fine-mesh sieve over a clean pot and pour the blended soup through it. Use the back of a spoon to press the pulp and extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids left in the sieve.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Temper and Serve
- b.Place the pot with the strained shorba back on the stove over low heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- c.Stir in the garam masala and check for seasoning, adding more salt if necessary.
- d.For the tempering (tadka), heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of ghee in a small pan. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- e.Immediately pour this hot tempering over the shorba. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
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 a vibrant red color, use ripe, juicy tomatoes like Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes.
- 2Straining the soup is a crucial step to achieve the classic, silky-smooth texture of a restaurant-style shorba.
- 3Don't skip the sugar; it perfectly balances the natural tanginess of the tomatoes without making the soup sweet.
- 4For a deeper, smoky flavor, you can roast the tomatoes and a few garlic cloves in the oven before adding them to the pot.
- 5Adjust the consistency by adding more or less vegetable stock to reach your desired thickness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Version
For a richer, creamier shorba, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of fresh cream or full-fat coconut milk at the end, just before serving. Do not boil after adding cream.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
Add one or two slit green chilies along with the onions for an extra layer of heat.
Added VegetablesAdded Vegetables
Incorporate finely chopped carrots or celery along with the onions to add more nutrients and a subtle sweetness.
Vegan OptionVegan Option
Simply replace the ghee with a neutral vegetable oil or coconut oil to make this recipe completely vegan.
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.
Boosts Immunity
The blend of spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and black pepper contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help strengthen the immune system.
Aids Digestion
Spices such as cumin seeds and black peppercorns are known in traditional medicine to stimulate digestive enzymes, promoting better gut health.
Hydrating and Light
As a broth-based soup, shorba is hydrating and light on the stomach, making it an excellent choice for a comforting meal or when recovering from illness.
Frequently asked questions
Tomato Shorba is an Indian-style soup that is generally thinner in consistency than Western tomato soups. It is uniquely flavored with whole and ground Indian spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cumin, and often finished with a tempering (tadka).