Tomato saar: type 1

Ingredients

4 medium sized ripe (red) tomatoes 2-3 garlic cloves, 1 small piece ginger, 3-4 green chilies (vary the amount as per the taste), 4-5 curry leaves, chopped coriander leaves, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1/4 tsp asafoetida salt to taste 2-3 tsp ghee 1 tsp sugar

Method 1. Boil tomatoes till soft. (Microwave is useful for this) 2. Remove the shells and purée tomatoes in a grinder. 3. Add water to this purée as per the desired consistency. Also add salt and sugar and let it boil over medium heat. 4. Make a paste of green chilies, garlic and ginger. 5. Now, heat another small pan. Add 2-3 tsp ghee. When the ghee is heated, add cumin seeds, asafoetida, turmeric powder , curry leaves and chili-ginger-garlic paste. This is 'tempering' (also called phodni in Marathi) for the saar. 6. When tomato purée starts boiling, pour the hot tempering over it. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes. Garnish with lots of coriander leaves and serve hot with rice. Tip: To thicken the saar, add 1 tsp rice flour or 1 tsp all purpose flour or 1 small grated boiled potato and again bring it to a boil. alternative method for the tomato saar.