Tomato Charu Recipe

Rasams are a popular clear soup-like dish that is prevalent in all of South India. Different states have their own versions. I have shared the recipe of Tomato Charu on this post, which is the Andhra version of rasam made with tomatoes, spices and herbs. This is a spicy vegan recipe that is quick to make. But is full of flavors and pairs the best with steamed rice. Have it piping hot.

About Tomato Charu

Rasam is called ‘charu’ in Andhra Pradesh and ‘saaru’ in Karnataka. There are varieties of charu that are there, out of which, Tomato Charu is one of the most common ones.

Although, each household may have a significant way of making it. The recipe that I have shared here, is the way I prepare it at my home.

When preparing Tomato Charu, I typically opt to blend the tomatoes into a smooth puree. While you can also crush or chop the tomatoes, I prefer the pureed consistency.

Additionally, you can strain the tomato puree, if desired. A small amount of tamarind is included in this recipe, although it’s okay to omit it if unavailable. However, it is because of the tamarind, there’s a certain uniqueness in the flavor of the dish.

Tamarind simply make the tomato charu a bit more tart, than what it would be with only the tomatoes included in the recipe.

For this Tomato Charu recipe, you have the option to blanch the tomatoes before pureeing them, but it’s also fine to skip this step.

I usually make this dish for a quick lunch and dinner, so I do not blanch the tomatoes. The spice powders that I use in this recipe are turmeric powder, red chili powder and rasam powder. Rasam Powder adds a classic touch to the recipe.

Apart from all the above, there is a tempering that is a must for this Tomato Charu. For which, I use mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, fresh curry leaves and asafoetida (hing).

Adding this tempering to the charu, brings all the flavors together and makes for an absolutely palatable dish.

If you like to explore the different varieties of rasam, do have a look at this special and unique Tomato Rasam that is a staple at my home and made sans any lentils, tamarind and rasam powder.

How to make Tomato Charu

Make Tamarind Extract

1. Soak 1 teaspoon tamarind in ¼ cup hot water for 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Then, squeeze the tamarind and extract the pulp. Set aside the tamarind extract.

Make Tomato Puree

3. When the tamarind is soaking, chop 250 grams tomato (4 to 5 medium tomatoes).

4. Add them along with their juices from the chopping board to a blender jar.

5. Blend to a fine, smooth puree.

Cook Tomato Puree

6. Transfer the tomato puree in a pan or pot.

7. Now, add ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder and ½ teaspoon red chili powder.

8. Then, add 2 cups water and mix very well.

9. Keep the pan on the stovetop and cover with a lid. On low to medium heat, simmer the tomato mixture for 3 to 4 minutes.

10. Then, remove the lid and continue to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes or until the raw flavors of the tomatoes are not there.

Add Tamarind Pulp

11. Next, using a small strainer, strain the tamarind pulp over the tomato broth carefully, taking care that the steam does not touch your hands.

Or you can turn off the heat and add the tamarind pulp. You can also add the tamarind pulp directly without using a strainer.

12. Mix well.

Add Seasonings & Rasam Powder

13. Next, add salt as per taste. Then, simmer for 4 to 5 minutes.

14. Then, add 2 teaspoons Rasam Powder. Cook further for 3 to 4 minutes.

If you do not have rasam powder, you can skip it, but the taste of the charu will be different.

A bit of jaggery (about ½ to 1 teaspoon) can also be added to balance the sourness of tomatoes.

15. After simmering for 3 to 4 minutes, turn off the heat. Cover pan with a lid and set aside.

Temper & Make Tomato Charu

16. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a small pan or tadka pan. Add ½ teaspoon mustard seeds and let them crackle.

17. Then, add ½ teaspoon cumin seeds and let them splutter.

18. Next, add 2 dried red chilies and 10 to 12 curry leaves along with a generous pinch of asafoetida (hing).

19. Fry until the red chilies change color and curry leaves become crisp. Turn off the heat and add this entire tempering mixture to the Tomato Charu. 

Cover the pan for 4 to 5 minutes so that the tempering flavors infuse into the charu.

20. Then, remove the lid and add 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves.

22. Serve the Andhra-style Tomato Charu with steamed rice or you can drink it as a soup.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for a day. Reheat until warm or lightly heat in a sauce pan.

Expert Tips

1. Choice of tomatoes: Ensure to use fresh and ripe tomatoes for the best taste and flavor.
2. Tomato preparation: Chop the tomatoes finely or blend them into a puree, depending on your preference. This will give the charu a smooth consistency. You can also crush the tomatoes.
3. Adding spices: Adjust the quantity of spices like turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt according to your taste. Andhra-style charu tends to be slightly tangy and spicy, so balance these flavors accordingly. You can add more or less of the red chili powder and rasam powder in the Tomato Charu, depending on the level of spice and heat you prefer.
4. Consistency of the dish: The consistency of the charu can vary from thin to slightly thick. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add a little bit of mashed dal (cooked lentils) to the charu.
5. Garnishing Tomato Charu: Fresh coriander leaves is a must and enhances the flavor and freshness of the charu.

This Tomato Charu recipe from the archives was first published on June 2016. It has been updated and republished on May 2024.