Tomato Bharta, also known as “Tamatar Ka Bharta,” is a delightful and rustic Indian and Bangladeshi dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes.
This recipe introduces a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to prepare tomatoes that are charred, mashed, and spiced to perfection.
Tomato Bharta is a popular dish in various regional cuisines across India, each adding its unique twist to the recipe.
The essence of this dish lies in roasting tomatoes until they develop a smoky and caramelized flavor, which is then enhanced with aromatic spices and herbs.
Key Takeaways
- Tomato Bharta is a delightful Indian and Bangladeshi dish that celebrates the flavors of ripe tomatoes, charred, mashed, and spiced to perfection.
- The dish is known for its smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile, achieved through the roasting of tomatoes and the use of aromatic spices.
- Tomato Bharta is a versatile side dish that pairs well with various Indian bread like roti, paratha, and naan, as well as rice dishes and grilled meats.
- Pro tips for making the best Tomato Bharta include choosing ripe tomatoes, roasting them until charred, controlling the spice level, and garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro.
- Tomato Bharta alternatives include Baingan Bharta (eggplant), Aloo Bharta (potato), Palak Bharta (spinach), and other mashed vegetable dishes, each with its unique flavor profile.
The Ingredients
- Tomato: 5 pieces (cleaned & rinsed)
- Onion: 1 piece, big size (sliced)
- Green chilis: 4 pieces (chopped)
- Coriander leaves: 1 tbsp (chopped)
- Garlic: 1 piece, small size
- Dry red chilis: 2 piece
- Mustard oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt to taste
How to Cook Tomato Bharta (Step by Step Images)?
1. Start by greasing the tomatoes with mustard oil and then roast them on a gas stove using a mesh. Burn them until the entire skin blackens.
2. Remove the charred tomatoes from the gas stove. Roast the garlic cloves and dry red chilis. Burn them until the entire skin blackens. Turn off the flame.
3. Once all the items have cooled down, remove the burnt peel. Now take the sliced onions, dry red chilis, and add ½ tbsp of salt. Mix the onions, red chilis, and salt together. Add the garlic cloves as well.
4. Next, add 1 ½ tbsp of mustard oil to the onion and dry red chili mixture. Mix it thoroughly. After combining the roasted chilis, garlic, and onions, add the tomatoes. Mash all the tomatoes nicely and mix them with the roasted chilis, garlic, and onions.
(Expert Tip: Adjust the amount of salt and oil according to your preference.)
5. Finally, add the chopped green chilis and coriander leaves, and mix everything together.
6. Your Tomato Bharta is now ready.
Pro Tips for Making Best Tomato Bharta
Here are some pro tips to help you achieve the best results:
Choose Ripe Tomatoes: The key to a flavorful Tomato Bharta is using ripe, juicy tomatoes. Look for tomatoes that are plump, firm, and fragrant. Ripe tomatoes will have a sweeter and more intense flavor.
Roast the Tomatoes: Roasting the tomatoes is crucial for imparting a smoky, caramelized flavor to the dish. You can do this over an open flame, on a grill, or in an oven. Keep turning the tomatoes until the skin is charred and blistered.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh spices and herbs. Freshly ground cumin seeds and coriander seeds will elevate the flavor of your Tomato Bharta.
Control the Spice Level: Adjust the level of spiciness according to your preference. Add more or fewer green chilis to control the heat. Remember that the seeds and membranes inside the chilis are the spiciest parts, so remove them for a milder taste.
Include Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves) is a common garnish for Tomato Bharta. It adds freshness and color to the dish. Chopped mint leaves can also be a refreshing addition.
Customization: Get creative with your Tomato Bharta by adding ingredients like roasted garlic, grated ginger, or roasted bell peppers for added depth of flavor.
By following these pro tips, you can create a Tomato Bharta bursting with smoky, spiced tomato goodness, elevating your Indian cuisine experience to the next level.
What to Serve with Tomato Bharta?
Here are some delicious options for what to serve with Tomato Bharta:
Roti: Soft and thin Indian flatbreads like roti or chapati are an excellent choice. They are the traditional accompaniment for Tomato Bharta and are perfect for scooping up the flavorful tomato mixture.
Paratha: Flaky and buttery parathas, whether plain or stuffed with ingredients like potatoes (aloo paratha) or spinach (palak paratha), are a delightful match for Tomato Bharta.
Naan: Soft and fluffy naan bread is a popular choice to serve with Tomato Bharta. It’s great for tearing and dipping into the tomato mixture.
Rice: Steamed Basmati rice or jeera rice (rice cooked with cumin seeds) provides a neutral base that complements the flavors of Tomato Bharta. It’s a satisfying option for those who prefer rice over bread.
Grilled Meats: If you’re a non-vegetarian, grilled meats like chicken, lamb, or kebabs can be served with Tomato Bharta for a flavorful combination of flavors and textures.
Biryani or Pulao: Tomato Bharta can be served alongside fragrant biryanis or pulaos, enhancing the overall experience with its bold flavors.
Grilled Vegetables: A side of grilled or roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant, can provide a nice balance to the meal.
Feel free to mix and match these serving options to create a meal that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Tomato Bharta’s bold and tangy flavors make it a versatile companion for various dishes, making your dining experience rich and enjoyable.
How Does Tomato Bharta Taste?
Tomato Bharta has a rich and robust flavor profile that celebrates the natural sweetness and tanginess of ripe tomatoes. Here’s how Tomato Bharta typically tastes:
Smoky: The hallmark of Tomato Bharta is its smoky flavor, achieved by roasting the tomatoes over an open flame or on a grill. This smokiness adds depth and complexity to the dish.
Tangy: Tomatoes bring a delightful tanginess to the bharta, which is balanced by other ingredients like green chilis and spices. This tanginess is a key characteristic of the dish.
Spicy: Depending on the amount of green chilis and spices used, Tomato Bharta can range from mildly spicy to quite hot. The heat level can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
Freshness: Garnished with fresh cilantro (coriander leaves), Tomato Bharta gets a burst of fresh flavor and a pop of color. The cilantro adds a refreshing and herbaceous note to the dish.
Overall, Tomato Bharta offers a delightful combination of bold and well-balanced flavors.
Its smokiness, tanginess, and spiciness make it a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with various Indian bread and rice dishes.
Tomato Bharta Alternatives
Here are some alternatives to Tomato Bharta:
Baingan Bharta: Baingan Bharta is a popular Indian dish made with roasted and mashed eggplant (brinjal) mixed with spices, onions, and tomatoes. It has a smoky flavor similar to Tomato Bharta but with the addition of eggplant.
Aloo Bharta: Aloo Bharta is a simple dish made with mashed potatoes seasoned with spices, green chilis, and sometimes mustard oil. It’s a comforting and versatile side dish.
Palak Bharta: Palak Bharta features mashed spinach cooked with spices and often includes garlic and green chilis for added flavor. It’s a nutritious and vibrant alternative.
Gobi Bharta: Gobi Bharta is made with mashed cauliflower, similar to Baingan Bharta, but with cauliflower as the main ingredient. It’s a lighter option with a unique taste.
Mixed Vegetable Bharta: Combine various roasted and mashed vegetables like eggplant, potatoes, and cauliflower to create a mixed vegetable bharta. It offers a medley of flavors and textures.
Lauki Bharta: Lauki Bharta is made from roasted and mashed bottle gourd (lauki) mixed with spices, onions, and tomatoes. It’s a light and healthy option.
Methi Bharta: Methi Bharta features roasted and mashed fenugreek leaves (methi) combined with spices and sometimes yogurt. It has a slightly bitter and aromatic flavor.
These alternatives provide a wide range of flavors and textures to complement your main dishes.
Feel free to experiment with different options to find the one that best suits your taste preferences and the rest of your meal.
Recipe Card:
Tomato Bharta (Tamatar Ka Bharta)
Ingredients
- 5 pieces Tomato (cleaned properly)
- 1 piece Onion (sliced)
- 4 pieces Green chili (chopped)
- 1 tbsp Coriander leaves (chopped)
- 1 piece Garlic
- 2 pieces Dry red chili
- 2 tbsp Mustard oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Begin by lightly coating the tomatoes with mustard oil. Then, using a gas stove and a mesh grill, carefully roast the tomatoes over an open flame until their skin turns completely blackened and charred.
- Roast the Garlic and Dry Red Chilis: While the tomatoes are cooling, take the opportunity to roast garlic cloves and dry red chilis over the same flame until their skins char. Once done, turn off the flame.
- Remove Burnt Peel: After allowing all the roasted items to cool down, gently peel off the burnt skin from the tomatoes, garlic cloves, and dry red chilis. Be sure to discard the charred skin.
- Prepare the Spice Base: In a bowl, combine the sliced onions, roasted dry red chilis, and half a tablespoon of salt. Mix these ingredients well with the roasted garlic cloves.
- Add Mustard Oil: Drizzle 1 ½ tablespoons of mustard oil into the onion and dry red chili mixture. Thoroughly mix the oil into the ingredients.Expert Tip: Adjust the amount of salt and oil to suit your taste preferences.
- Mash and Combine: Now, add the peeled and roasted tomatoes to the mixture. Mash the tomatoes thoroughly and mix them well with the roasted ingredients, creating a flavorful base.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: To enhance the taste, add the chopped green chilis and fresh coriander leaves to the mixture. Gently combine all the ingredients.
- Serve Your Tomato Bharta: Your Tomato Bharta is now ready to be enjoyed as a flavorful dish or accompaniment to various Indian bread and rice dishes.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Info (Estimation Only)
Conclusion
Tomato bharta is a uniquely easy-to-make smashed tomato recipe.
The combination of garlic and onions, along with a mixture of dry red chilis, truly makes it mouthwatering.
The tangy taste of tomatoes takes it to a crescendo. It’s delightful and serves as a perfect side dish with aloo paratha, roti, paratha, and even steamed rice.
