Tomato Saar - Tomato soup with a desi flavour

In many sarawsat homes an aperitif is also used as a accompaniment to rice. A kokum kadi , is drunk as an apertif , as a digestive or with steamed rice. Similarly the tomato saar serves as soup or as an accompaniment to steamed rice or curd ( yoghurt) rice. The tomatoes are usually left in their mashed form if used with rice. I preferred to strain them in this recipe.

4 firm ripe tomatoes, quartered , de seeded and cooked.
1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp red chilli powder, a generous pinch of asafoetida, curry leaves, 1 tsp of sugar , chopped corriander ( cilantro). salt to taste.
Cool the cooked tomato, puree, strain. Add 2 cups water.
In a saucepan , heat oil. Add cumin, asafoetida, curry leaves and red chilli powder.
Add the tomato liquid and boil for 5 minutes. Serve as a soup or with steamed rice.
As a soup can be served with a spoonful of coconut milk , or yoghurt, buttermilk
Or plain , garnished with cilantro ( corriander)
Or as a tangy companion to curd rice ( yoghurt).