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Tamatar ka shorba – Spiced Indian Tomato soup

4.73 from 11 votes
Total: 25 minutes
Serves 4

Warm-up your winter evenings with a bowl of freshly made Tamatar ka shorba – Spiced Indian Tomato soup. This irresistible and soul-warming recipe is beautifully contrasted and elevated by adding homemade crispy cubes of croutons and a swirl of fresh cream.

Your taste buds will be charmed by the delicately spiced and delectable flavors of this tomato shorba recipe.

Winter soup - Tamatar ka shorba - Spiced Indian Tomato soup in a bowl

What is Tamatar ka shorba – Spiced Indian Tomato soup?

‘Shorba’ is a Persian name for a stew-like salty dish prepared by simmering veggies/ meat in boiling water. Travelers used to make Shorba (meat version) on the road with whatever spice and ingredient they had on hand, and that is how the term Shorba spread as far as it could.

Shorba or chorba was traditionally a thick and spicy version of the vegetable or meat gravy with a soup-like consistency.

It has undergone multiple modifications since its inception to match up with different taste buds, and many varieties of vegetarian and non-vegetarian shorbas have originated.

My recipe here is named after an Arabic term – ‘Shurbah,’ meaning soup.

In this term – tamatar ka shorba, tamatar translates to “tomato” in Indian, and shorba or chorba, on the other hand, means a rich stew.

What makes tamatar ka shorba different from regular tomato soup?

Although they may look and sound similar, Instant Pot tamatar ka shorba and tomato soup have a few significant differences. The tomato shorba, or spiced Indian tomato soup, is a significantly lightened-up version of a classic tomato soup recipe.

Shorba uses a combination of spices and herbs that render this recipe a distinct flavor and set it apart from the other recipes.

Soups are generally served as starters, but Shorba or chorba can be served as an accompaniment to the main course or in between courses.

Tamatar ka shorba with crouton - Spiced Indian Tomato soup

Reasons You’ll ♡ Tamatar ka shorba – Spiced Indian Tomato soup

This Tamatar ka shorba recipe is an excellent addition to your evening menu. It warms up the body and comforts the soul. This is what makes it an adorable treat —

  • Simple and quick to prepare
  • Doesn’t take much time from the kitchen to the table
  • Made with simple ingredients
  • Flavor-packed and wholesome
  • Warm, comforting, and hearty soup
  • And a must-have in winter!

A thick, creamy, spicy, and nutritious bowl of Instant Pot Tomato Shorba is all you need to warm yourself on a chilly evening.

The best part is that this Tamatar ka shorba (spiced Indian tomato soup) is a naturally gluten-free and vegan dish, high in nutrition and flavors. You can make it in advance and serve it later after reheating. 

Serve it as an appetizer or a main course, and this soupy tomato treat wins the heart each time.

Shorba - Spiced Indian Tomato soup garnished with croutons

What makes this tamatar ka shorba different from the regular tomato soup?

For starters, this tomato shorba or spiced Indian tomato soup is a significantly lightened-up version of a classic tomato soup recipe.

Though it may look quite similar to the soup, the combination of herbs and spices in this recipe gives Shorba a very distinct flavor. 

Besides that, soup is often served as starters, but Shorba or chorba can be served as an accompaniment to the main dish or in between courses.

Ingredient list for Tamatar ka shorba – Spiced Indian Tomato soup

Tomatoes  They are the star ingredient of this recipe. Thick, pulpy tomatoes provide the base for this hearty Shorba.

Onion  Besides adding a sweet and savory flavor to the recipe, onions also lend a crunch to the recipe.

Ginger/ Garlic  The unique deep flavors of ginger and garlic take the recipe to an entirely new level.

Green Chilies  lend spiciness and heat to the Shorba.

Whole Spices  Flavorsome spices like star anise, black cardamom, bay leaves, cinnamon, and cloves add tons of flavor to the soup. 

Water  To adjust the consistency of the Shorba. You may also use vegetable stock in place of water. It lends a deep, rich flavor to the recipe.

Cashew cream  Adds creaminess and mildness to the recipe and makes it super indulgent. 

Cilantro Leaves  For garnishing the soup. 

Croutons  Bread croutons add a crunch to the smooth textured tamatar ka shorba, making this dish irresistible. 

Tamatar ka shorba – Spiced Indian Tomato soup Tips and Variations

Grab the ripe tomatoes — This recipe calls for ripe and juicy tomatoes for taste and drool-worthy color. Medium-sized fresh tomatoes at their peak ripeness are most suitable for this Tomato Shorba Soup because they have an amazingly sweet, sour, and tangy flavor. 

Fresh/ canned tomatoes — You may use fresh and canned tomatoes to prepare this delicious recipe. Use canned tomatoes (28 oz cans) if fresh tomatoes are unavailable. When using canned tomatoes, reduce the quantity of water to 1 cup. After blending the Shorba, if the consistency feels thick, you can gradually add more liquid until the shorba reaches the right consistency.

Smoky-flavored Tamatar Shorba — To render a smokey flavor to the soup, you can roast the tomatoes. Roasting makes them more robust and delicious, besides concentrating the acidic tomato flavor. 

Not an onion-garlic fan? If you do not have an affinity for onions or garlic, you may completely omit to add them to the soup. Proceed with the rest of the recipe as given. 

Add sugar/ jaggery to balance sourness — The sour flavor from the tomatoes can be balanced by adding a teaspoon of sugar/ jaggery to the Shorba.

Do not skip tempering — The essence of the recipe lies in the tadka/ tempering; therefore, I would never recommend you skip the tempering part. For extra flavor and texture before serving it, add toasted cumin seeds that take this recipe to another level.

Extra veggies for extra health and flavor — Extra veggies added to the recipe contribute to the extra flavor and nutrition. You may add carrots, spinach, or any other leafy greens of your choice to boost the flavor and nutrition of the Tomato Shorba.

Altering the spiciness — The spiciness in the recipe comes from the green chilies. You may add or reduce the spice level depending on your preference. If you want, you can skip adding any green chilies.

Has the soup turned acidic? Fixing the soup that has turned acidic is simple. Just add cream or half-n-half to reduce the acidic taste of the soup. 

Fixing the thin consistency — A nice, thick Tomato Shorba tastes the best. If the consistency of your soup is thin, you can resort to either of the two options. Either cook it longer until the extra moisture evaporates and the soup is reduced in quantity and becomes thicker. Or, you can add a little amount of cream at the very end of the process. This will thicken the soup and lend a subtly rich, creamy, and luscious texture. 

For extra flavor — Vegetable broth, when added, maximizes the soup’s flavor. Besides flavor, it also adds to the nutritional value of the recipe. 

For a smooth soup — Use a high-power immersion blender to blend the soup to a smooth consistency. Alternately, cool down the boiled ingredients a little and then pulse them in a blender until smooth and creamy. 

Strain to remove the pulpy bits — If you don’t like the fleshy bits, you can always strain the soup through a strainer and make it smooth.

Basil for flavor — Tamatar ka shorba goes well with Indian herbs, but if you like, you can substitute the spices for fresh basil, too. Adding a handful of fresh basil leaves at the very end will add depth of flavor to the recipe and make it completely irresistible. 

Make ahead and enjoy later — This recipe of Spiced Indian tomato soup can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored for consumption later. Cool the finished soup completely, transfer it to an air-tight container, and refrigerate until ready to use. Pour the soup into a pot and simmer over medium heat to reheat it. Stir occasionally until it has heated through. Serve garnished. 

Gluten-free and vegan recipe — This Instant Pot Tomato Shorba soup is naturally gluten-free and vegan. But if you are not vegan, a fresh swirl of cream on top of a hot soup will amp up the soup’s flavor. 

Tamatar ka shorba with grilled cheese sandwich

Let me know what you think!

This simple recipe for tamatar ka shorba is the ideal choice if you’re seeking something delicious and filling. Prepare this thick tomato soup in advance for a convenient serving later.

So, if you are ready to nourish your soul with this delicious and hearty soup, let’s get started.

Should you make this Instant Pot Tamatar ka shorba – Spiced Indian Tomato soup, please let me know your thoughts by sharing your comment below.

And don’t forget to share it with your family and friends.

CRAVING FOR MORE, TRY MY OTHER FLAVOR-PACKED VEGAN SOUPS-

Shorba - Spiced Indian Tomato soup garnished with croutons

Tamatar ka shorba – Spiced Indian Tomato soup

4.73 from 11 votes
Warm up your winter evenings with a bowl of freshly made Tamatar ka shorba – Spiced Indian Tomato soup. This irresistible and soul-warming recipe is beautifully contrasted and elevated by adding homemade crispy cubes of croutons and a swirl of fresh cream.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Calories: 79 kcal
Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS 

INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO BOIL THE SHORBA

  • 7 medium Tomatoes
  • 2 cloves of Garlic
  • 1 inch piece of Ginger
  • 1 small Onion roughly cubed
  • 1 small Green chili (optional)
  • 1 piece of Star Anise (Chakra phool)
  • 2 pieces of Whole Black Cardamom (Moti eliachi)
  • 3 pieces of Bay leaves (Tej patta)
  • 1 stick of Cinnamon (Dalchini)
  • 3-4 pieces of Cloves (Laung)
  • Salt to taste
  • cup Water (to boil soup)

INGREDIENTS FOR TEMPERING

GARNISHES

INSTRUCTIONS

PREPARE TAMATAR KA SHORBA

  • Wash and pat dry the tomatoes. Slice tomatoes into halves. Add the sliced tomatoes to the Instant Pot insert. 
    Add onion, green chili, ginger, and garlic. Add cinnamon stick, star anise, bay leaves, cloves, and whole black cardamom.
  • Pour in water and mix to combine. Close the lid and seal the pot.
    Press the Manual or pressure cook button and cook the tamatar Ka Shorba for 7 minutes on HIGH.
    Once the cooking time has elapsed, turn off the Instant Pot. Allow the pressure to release naturally. When the pin drops, carefully open the lid.
    Just before you blend the shorba, discard all the whole spices.
     Using an immersion blender, blend the tomato shorba until smooth.

PREPARE TEMPERING

  • Prepare the tempering. Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds to it, and as they start to crackle. Take the pan off the flame. 
    Pour the tempering/tadka over tamatar ka shorba.
  •  Mix to combine. Serve hot topped with croutons, cilantro leaves, and crushed black pepper. 
    Shorba - Spiced Indian Tomato soup garnished with croutons

TAMATAR KA SHORBA IN A COOKER

  • Add all the ingredients to a pressure cooker. 
  • Add water to the pressure cooker. Mix to combine. Close the lid and pressure cook the shorba for 4-5 whistles (20-25 minutes in a pressure cooker without whistle). 
  • Once the pressure is released naturally, open the lid. Discard the whole spices.
  • Blend the tomato shorba until smooth.
  • Prepare the tempering and pour over the shorba.
  • Serve hot.
    Tamatar ka shorba - Spiced Indian Tomato soup - Ruchiskitchen

VIDEO

RECIPE NOTES

Frequently Asked Questions

 
How can I store this Tomato Shorba?
Like most soups, leftover tamatar ka shorba stores exceptionally well.
Refrigerator — Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezer — Store cooled shorba in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. If you plan to add cream, do not add cream to the frozen soup bowl — thaw overnight in the refrigerator (a little frozen section in the soup is okay) before reheating.
To Reheat — Reheat in a pot on the cooktop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Once heated through, add cream, simmer for a few minutes, and serve warm.
 
Is this recipe for tomato shorba freezer-friendly?
This Tamatar Ka Shorba is absolutely a freezer-friendly recipe. Make a big batch of this delicious Shorba and freeze it in individual servings. When ready to serve, thaw it and reheat it on a cooktop.
You have a quick, lip-smacking, warm treat to serve your family and guests on a cold evening.
 
What can I serve along with this Tomato Shorba?
This Tomato Shorba pairs beautifully with garlic knots, focaccia bread, and honeycomb buns to create a wholesome meal.

NUTRITION

Calories: 79kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 60mg | Potassium: 575mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1839IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided above is approximate. Variations may exist due to the ingredients/brands used. These numbers should be considered estimates, as they are not calculated by a registered dietician.
Author: Ruchi
Course: Soups
Cuisine: Eggless, Vegetarian

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Comments

  1. Jeena says:

    Healthy, Delicious and comforting soup…lovely presentation..

  2. monika mehta says:

  3. Rachita says:

    The best tomato soup I have ever made so far. Thank you for this excellent recipe.

  4. NIDHI SINGH says:

    Can I have this with veg biryani also ??

  5. SG says:

    Hi just tried it today for dinner. Came out real well. Thank you ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘

  6. Sowmya says:

    Just loved the soup!! It came out very well.. Thanks for the awesome recipe๐Ÿ–’

  7. Ritu says:

    Hi Ruchi,

    Tried the recipe and it came out well. Was spicy and flavourful. Loved the colour too. Thank you so much for sharing.

  8. Alka Dighe says:

    Just what I was looking for simple easy and tasty tomato soup recipe. I have 2 questions :
    1– can we use can tomatoes instead of fresh
    2– can you clarify what is cashew cream

    Thanks

  9. Mansi Varma says:

    This is an awesome recipe!

  10. sai hemanth says:

    5 stars
    This recipe for Tamatar ka Shorba is absolutely delightful! The combination of spices and the creamy texture makes it a perfect comfort meal, especially during cold winter evenings. I love how it’s packed with flavors yet so simple to prepare. For someone like me, who enjoys using fresh ingredients, I appreciate how versatile this recipe is with the option to use canned tomatoes if needed.