Tomato Madras Soup

Tomato Madras Soup Recipe from India | Ingredients & Steps

Region / culture: India | Servings: : 4

Introduction

Tomato Madras Soup is a flavorful and creamy soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is a popular dish in South Indian cuisine, known for its rich and tangy flavors. Made with fresh tomatoes, carrots, onions, and a hint of coconut, this soup is a comforting and satisfying meal.

History

Tomato Madras Soup originates from the city of Madras, now known as Chennai, in South India. Madras cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients. This soup is a popular dish in South Indian households and is often served as a starter or a light meal.

Ingredients

500 g tomatoes, chopped
0.5 cup grated coconut
0.5 tsp pepper powder
2 onions, chopped
100 g carrots, chopped
2 slices bread
salt to taste

For white sauce

50 g all-purpose flour (maida)
300 ml milk
50 g ghee or butter

How to prepare

Mix tomatoes, carrots, onions, and salt in a pot. Add 4 glasses of water and bring to a boil.
Add grated coconut to the tomato mixture and remove from heat. Let it cool for some time.
Once cooled, blend the mixture to a fine puree. Sieve the mixture to separate the pulp.
Add white sauce and pepper powder to the puree. Bring to a boil again for a few minutes.
Serve with toasted bread slices.
For white sauce:
Heat ghee in a pan and roast the flour for a few minutes.
Slowly add milk to the flour, mixing well.
Continue cooking until a thick sauce forms. Remove from heat and preserve.

Variations

Add a pinch of garam masala for a spicier flavor.
Substitute coconut milk for grated coconut for a creamier texture.
Add a dollop of yogurt or cream for extra richness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Roasting the flour for the white sauce adds a nutty flavor to the soup.

- Be sure to blend the tomato mixture until smooth for a creamy texture.

- Adjust the amount of pepper powder to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tomato Madras Soup hot with toasted bread slices or crispy papadums on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color.

Cooking Techniques

Blending the tomato mixture until smooth ensures a creamy consistency.

- Sieving the mixture helps remove any lumps or seeds for a smooth texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version of the soup.

- Substitute olive oil for butter for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in individual bowls garnished with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tomato Madras Soup with a side of garlic naan or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 25g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 10g

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 6g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 5g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Calcium: 15% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains wheat (from bread) and dairy (from butter and milk).

Summary

Tomato Madras Soup is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. It is a good source of carbohydrates and proteins, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Summary

Tomato Madras Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this South Indian classic with your loved ones today!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Tomato Madras Soup. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who had just returned from a trip to India. She had brought back with her a collection of exotic spices and recipes, and she was eager to share them with me.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the tantalizing aromas of cumin, coriander, and turmeric, Margaret pulled out a tattered old notebook and began flipping through its pages. "Ah, here it is," she said, pointing to a recipe titled "Tomato Madras Soup."

Margaret explained that the soup was a popular dish in the southern Indian region of Madras, now known as Chennai. It was a flavorful blend of tomatoes, coconut milk, and a medley of spices that created a rich and aromatic broth. I was immediately intrigued and asked Margaret to teach me how to make it.

She patiently guided me through the process, demonstrating how to roast the tomatoes until they were caramelized and sweet, how to toast the spices to release their full flavor, and how to simmer the soup until it reached the perfect consistency. The kitchen filled with the delicious scent of simmering spices, and I knew this soup would become a favorite in my own home.

Over the years, I have made Tomato Madras Soup countless times, each batch more delicious than the last. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a pinch of this or a dash of that to suit my own tastes. But the essence of the dish remains true to Margaret's original recipe, with its bold flavors and comforting warmth.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about its unique taste and exotic flair. They marvel at how a simple bowl of soup can transport them to far-off lands, evoking memories of bustling markets and vibrant spices.

One particularly memorable occasion was when my granddaughter came to visit me for the summer. She was a picky eater, skeptical of anything she deemed "too spicy" or "too foreign." But when I served her a steaming bowl of Tomato Madras Soup, her eyes lit up with curiosity.

She took a hesitant sip, then another, and before long, she was eagerly slurping up every last drop. "Grandma, this is amazing!" she exclaimed, her face flushed with excitement. "Can you teach me how to make it?"

And so, I passed down the recipe for Tomato Madras Soup to a new generation, watching with pride as my granddaughter mastered the art of blending spices and coaxing out the flavors of each ingredient. It was a joy to see her embrace a dish that had been such a significant part of my culinary journey, connecting me to a world of flavors and traditions that had enriched my life in ways I could never have imagined.

As I look back on that fateful day in Margaret's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the serendipitous encounter that led me to discover the magic of Tomato Madras Soup. It is a dish that has become a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And as I continue to cook and share this beloved recipe with those I love, I am reminded of the enduring legacy of tradition and the joy of passing down a taste of the world to future generations.