Sliced tomatoes are a versatile ingredient in Indian cuisine, adding freshness, acidity, and vibrant color to a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on how to use them:
Salads and Raitas:
- Simple and refreshing: Thinly sliced tomatoes add a burst of juicy flavor and color to cucumber raita, onion raita, or mixed vegetable raita.
- Tangy twist: Crunch and flavour through and through, that’s what this bean sprouts and radish salad is all about! We all know sprouts brim with good health, but did you know it can be very, very tasty too!
bean sprouts and radish salad recipe | healthy Indian mooli and sprouts salad | bean sprouts and vegetable salad |
Curries and Gravies:
- Base layer: Sliced tomatoes can be used as a base for various curries like South Indian rasam or tomato-based curries from Andhra Pradesh. They simmer down into a flavorful sauce, contributing acidity and sweetness.
- Flavor burst: Add sliced tomatoes towards the end of cooking in curries like baby corn paneer jalfrezi or Palak Paneer for a fresh and vibrant flavor boost without overcooking them.
baby corn paneer jalfrezi recipe | baby corn jalfrezi | Indian style paneer baby corn masala | baby corn and paneer sabzi |
Dals and Lentils:
- Tangy tadka: Temper some dals with sliced tomatoes along with cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and curry leaves for a quick and aromatic flavor boost.
- Garnish: Sprinkle thinly sliced tomatoes on top of cooked dals for a pop of color and freshness.
Snacks and Appetizers:
- Tomato onion raita: This classic accompaniment combines chopped tomatoes, onions, chilies, and yogurt for a cool and refreshing dip for samosas, pakoras, or papads.
- Grilled or roasted: Lightly grill or roast tomato slices and season them with chaat masala for a tangy and smoky appetizer.
- Sandwiches :This tangy, crunchy cucumber and tomato chutney sandwich is a lot more tempting because of the contrasting colours of the tomato and cucumber slices, and the inviting aroma of herbs like mint and coriander, which is highlighted further by the fresh scent of lemon juice.
tomato and cucumber open sandwich | cucumber and tomato chutney sandwich | healthy Indian tomato cucumber toast |
Other Uses:
- Soups: Use sliced tomatoes with spices and herbs to create a flavorful base for chunky vegetable soup.
- Pickles: Sliced tomatoes can be pickled with spices and vinegar for a tangy and flavorful condiment.
- Chutneys: Some chutney recipes utilize tomatoes for a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
chunky vegetable soup recipe | hearty vegetable Indian stew | vegetable medley | country vegetable soup with vegetable stock |
Tips for Using Sliced Tomatoes:
- Ripeness matters: Use ripe but firm tomatoes for best results. Overripe tomatoes may lose their shape during cooking.
- Adjust acidity: Depending on the recipe, you can adjust the amount of tomatoes to balance the overall sweetness and acidity.
- Cooking methods: Sliced tomatoes can be simmered, sauteed, grilled, or roasted depending on the desired texture and flavor profile.
With their versatility and fresh flavor, sliced tomatoes offer endless possibilities in Indian cuisine. So, get creative and explore the countless ways to incorporate them into your cooking!