6 basic ingredients is all you need to make this lip-smacking, savory Indian tomato drink called Tomato Saar! It's vegan and gluten-free, making it perfect as a party starter or a palate-cleanser for everybody. Whip up this easy vegan Maharashtrian tomato drink in just 20 minutes - it can't get any simpler than this! Serve this chilled for a refreshing tomato drink at your next gathering - or warm it for cozy comfort.
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What Is Tomato Saar
Tomato Saar is a classic Maharashtrian tomato drink that's as simple as it is flavorful. Its USP is its simplicity - no fancy ingredients, no complicated steps - just a handful of basic ingredients coming together to create a savory, tangy, and comforting tomato drink.
If you enjoy a good gazpacho, tomato soup, or thakkali rasam, you will absolutely love this Indian-style tomato drink. Made with coconut milk, mild spices, and fresh herbs, Tomato Saar is vegan, gluten-free, and ready in under 20 minutes. It's perfect as a light appetizer, palate cleanser, or even a party-ready savory mocktail!
This quick and easy vegan tomato drink balances tanginess, mild heat, and creamy texture - making it a versatile recipe you can serve warm for comfort or chilled for a refreshing twist. You will be making this mouthwatering saar on repeat every week! It's so good.
More Tomato Recipes You'll Love
Try my Thakkali Sadam for a comforting one-pot meal, or whip up a fresh Tomato Salad that's perfect for entertaining. Craving something indulgent? You'll love my Paneer Stuffed Peppers in Red Gravy and savory Cheddar Scones - both bursting with bold flavors.
You can also explore my Cauliflower Tamatar Rassa, Red Pesto Gnocchi, and spicy Idli Chutney for more tomato-inspired dishes. For breakfast, my Eggless Omelet is a quick, protein-packed favorite, and Sindhi Kadhi is a must-try if you enjoy tangy curries.
Each of these recipes highlights how beautifully tomatoes can shine - from Indian classics to global vegetarian creations.
Why Make It
- 🌱 Vegan and Gluten-Free - A wholesome Indian tomato drink everyone can enjoy!
⏱️ Ready in 20 Minutes - Whip up this quick and easy Tomato Saar with zero fuss.
🥄 Just 6 Basic Ingredients - Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor. No onion, or garlic needed.
🔪 No Chopping or Prepping Needed - Perfect for busy cooks or last-minute entertaining.
🍅 Simple Yet Flavorful - A traditional Maharashtrian tomato drink with coconut milk and mild spices.
🍸 Savory Mocktail for Parties - Serve chilled as a refreshing drink or warm as a cozy soup.
🧾 Ingredients Needed
Tomato Sauce:
I would recommend only using store-bought tomato sauce that's 100% pure tomatoes - no added herbs, sugar, or seasonings. The clean tomato flavor is what makes this savory Indian saar shine. Brands like Pomi, Publix, Hunt's, or Contadina work beautifully. If you prefer a more traditional touch, you can also use freshly pureed tomatoes for a brighter, homemade flavor. I have not tried it with store-bought puree, or canned crushed tomatoes.
Coconut Milk:
I like using canned coconut milk for convenience - it gives the Tomato Saar a rich, creamy texture and perfectly balances the tang of tomatoes. But if you have the time, making fresh coconut milk at home (just like in the old days!) will take this Maharashtrian tomato drink to another level.
Aromatics and Spices:
A tempering of cumin seeds, fresh curry leaves, minced green chillies, and cilantro infuses this saar with its signature earthy, spiced flavor. These simple ingredients bring warmth, depth, and authenticity to every sip.
Vegan Ghee (or Regular Ghee):
For the best flavor, cook Tomato Saar in ghee or vegan ghee. It enhances the aroma and gives this Indian drink a smooth, nutty undertone that ties all the flavors together.
How To Make It 🔪
- Heat vegan ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let the seeds splutter.
- Add fresh curry leaves, minced green chillies and half of the chopped cilantro. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
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- Pour in the tomato sauce.
- Followed by coconut milk and salt. Chef tip - Rinse out the tomato sauce tetrapack and the coconut milk can, and add that water to the pan. This not only ensures zero wastage but also helps retain all the flavor. Add just enough to maintain a slightly thick consistency (avoid adding more water than mentioned in the recipe). This way, your saar stays rich, creamy, and velvety-never thin or watery.
- Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium flame (on an induction cooktop this should take about 8-10 minutes). The goal is a smooth, slightly thickened texture that you could serve as a warm beverage or poured over rice.
- Once boiled and aromatic, garnish with the remaining chopped cilantro. Do not overcook. Take it off the flame at the first boil. Take a small taste and adjust salt as needed.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve this Indian tomato saar in shot glasses for a fun, modern twist - it makes a stunning party appetizer or savory mocktail! You can also serve it in bowls if you prefer it as a soup-style Saar. For an elevated finish, drizzle a few drops of chili oil or coconut cream on top before serving - it not only looks stunning but also adds a burst of flavor.
Get creative with toppings to add flavor and texture: try mini croutons, toasted sesame seeds, slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, toasted coconut flakes, breadsticks, or a drizzle of chili oil for a touch of heat.
This vegan and gluten-free saar can be enjoyed warm or chilled - warm it up for cozy comfort or chill it for a refreshing summer sip. It's the perfect make-ahead party drink that fits right into any occasion - from Diwali parties, Thanksgiving dinners, and Christmas brunches to Holi gatherings, weekend get-togethers, brunches, parties, and potlucks.
You can also serve this Tomato Saar with plain steamed rice, vegetable pulao, tendli masala bhat, paneer pulao, coconut rice, jeera rice, or curd rice. It pairs beautifully with simple Indian comfort meals and adds a flavorful, tangy touch to any vegan or vegetarian thali. No matter how you serve it, this savory Indian tomato drink is always a crowd-pleaser - simple, elegant, and bursting with flavor!
Planning a Diwali Party 🎉
If you're curating a Diwali party menu, don't miss my detailed Diwali recipes roundup for inspiration. Pair this savory Saar, as a welcome drink with fun fusion desserts like Paan Shots, Rabdi Cheesecake, or Cottage Cheese Bark - and you've got a festive menu that's colorful, flavorful, and totally crowd-pleasing!
Samosa Chaat, Dabeli Pizza, Dal Pakwan Tostadas, Puff Pastry Samosas, Chinese Bhel, and Stuffed French Loaf all make delicious party-friendly dishes that go perfectly with this vegan, savory drink. Serve them together for a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed spread that's ideal for festive gatherings, brunches, or casual get-togethers!
💭 Priya's Recipe Tips
Adjust the spice level to your taste. If you enjoy a stronger kick, add an extra green chili or a pinch of crushed black pepper to intensify the heat in this savory tomato drink. For a deeper, more earthy flavor, add a little ginger paste and/or jaggery along with the green chillies during tempering - it enhances the warmth and balances the tanginess of the tomatoes beautifully.
FAQs 📖
The Tomato Saar should have a slightly thick and creamy consistency - not watery. That's what gives this Maharashtrian tomato drink its signature rich, velvety texture and comforting flavor.
To achieve the perfect consistency, avoid adding more water than mentioned in the recipe. Instead, use the water from rinsing the sauce tetrapack and coconut milk can - this helps retain all the flavor while maintaining a smooth, full-bodied texture.
The result? A savory tomato drink that's beautifully balanced - light enough to sip, yet creamy enough to enjoy as a warm soup or chilled mocktail.
This vegan Tomato Saar is quite flexible - you can easily make a few swaps without losing its authentic flavor or texture.
🥥 Coconut Milk:
If you don't want to use canned coconut milk, you can make it fresh at home - just grind freshly grated coconut with warm water, then strain it to extract the milk. Fresh coconut milk gives this Indian tomato drink a more traditional, wholesome flavor that's creamy yet light.
🍅 Tomato Base:
I recommend using store-bought tomato sauce that's 100% pure tomatoes, with no added herbs, sugar, or seasoning. The clean, unadulterated flavor is what makes this savory Indian tomato drink shine.
Brands like Pomi, Publix, Hunt's, or Contadina work beautifully. If you prefer a more homemade touch, you can use freshly pureed ripe tomatoes for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
(I haven't tested this recipe with canned crushed tomatoes or tomato purée, as they can alter the texture and tanginess.)
🌿 Curry Leaves:
If you don't have fresh curry leaves, you can skip them - but if possible, do include them! Curry leaves are a key flavor-enhancing ingredient that gives this Maharashtrian tomato drink its signature earthy aroma and depth.
🧈 Ghee or Vegan Ghee:
Traditionally, Tomato Saar is prepared with ghee for its nutty aroma. To keep it vegan and dairy-free, use vegan ghee or neutral oil. It adds richness while staying true to the comforting essence of the original recipe.
Yes, absolutely! If you prefer a smooth and silky texture, you can strain the Tomato Saar before serving. This helps remove any tiny bits of herbs, tomato fiber, or curry leaves, giving you a clean and elegant drink that's perfect for sipping.
Straining the Maharashtrian tomato drink makes it ideal to serve as a party-style savory mocktail, soup shooter, or even as a welcome drink for festive occasions like Diwali, Holi, or Christmas brunches.
If you enjoy a bit more texture and rustic flavor, you can skip the straining - the bits of spices and herbs add warmth and authenticity to this traditional Indian tomato drink. Either way, it's delicious, comforting, and full of bold, earthy flavors.
This Indian tomato drink is great for meal prep or entertaining since it can be made ahead of time. Store the Saar in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator - it stays fresh for 4 to 5 days.
When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm. Give it a quick stir before serving to bring back its creamy, velvety texture.
You can also enjoy it chilled - just mix it well before drinking. The flavors deepen beautifully as it rests, making it even more delicious the next day.
If you plan to make a larger batch, you can freeze the Tomato Saar for up to a month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, reheat gently, and adjust seasoning if needed.
More Drink Recipes
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Recipe 📖
Traditional Tomato Saar - Indian-Style Tomato Drink
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegan ghee or regular ghee
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 4-5 green chillies
- 8-10 fresh curry leaves
- 17.64 oz tomato sauce
- 13.5 fl.oz coconut milk
- ⅓ cup water
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
- salt
Instructions
- Heat vegan ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let the seeds splutter.
- Add fresh curry leaves, minced green chillies and half of the chopped cilantro. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato sauce.
- Followed by coconut milk and salt. Chef tip - Rinse out the tomato sauce tetrapack and the coconut milk can, and add that water to the pan. This not only ensures zero wastage but also helps retain all the flavor. Add just enough to maintain a slightly thick consistency (avoid adding more water than mentioned in the recipe).
- Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium flame (on an induction cooktop this should take about 8-10 minutes). The goal is a smooth, slightly thickened texture that you could serve as a warm beverage or poured over rice.
- Once boiled and aromatic, garnish with the remaining chopped cilantro. Do not overcook. Take it off the flame at the first boil. Take a small taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve saar in shot glasses for a fun, modern twist - it makes a stunning party appetizer or savory mocktail!
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