Basic Tomato Saaru

Tomato saaru can be prepared in many ways. This is the simplest and the first version of tomato saaru which i learnt, and it is meant for beginners. This can be prepared quickly with minimum ingredients.

Ingredients:

Tomato - 2 medium sized (Cut into large pieces)
Green chillies - 1 (Cut lengthwise)
Coriander leaves - 1 tsp (Finely chopped)
Salt to taste
Sugar/ Jaggery - as required
Rasam powder - 1 tsp ( Optional if tempering will be done)

For tempering:

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Curry leaves - Few
Asafoetida - A pinch

Procedure:

Heat enough water in a vessel and cubed tomatoes, green chillies and salt. Bring it to boil. Let it boil for few minutes on medium flame till the tomatoes cook and become soft. Now add powdered jaggery or sugar as required. Adjust the amount of salt as required. Add rasam powder to it and let it boil for few minutes( Adding rasam powder is optional if your are planning to temper the saaru at the end. I have used rasam powder as i had skipped tempering). Finally add freshly chopped coriander leaves.

For tempering heat oil in a tempering pan. Add mustard seeds and when mustard splutters, add curry leaves and asafoetida/hing. Add this tempering to the saaru and keep the vessel covered for sometime to allow the flavors to blend well.

This simple tomato saaru goes well with hot rice.