In a soup! (finding out what's really inside)

Tuh-MAY-toh or Tuh-MAH-to? Pronunciation doesn't matter when it comes to this fabulous nutritious fruit known as a vegetable. It's hard to believe that such a widely-used food source was once considered deadly poisonous. Available year-round in fresh and preserved forms, there is no shortage of uses for this versatile "vegetable." [1] Tomato soup is a soup made with tomatoes as the primary ingredient. It may be served hot or cold in a bowl, and may be made in a variety of ways.[2] It may be smooth in texture, and there are also recipes which include chunks (or small pieces) of tomato, cream and chicken/vegetable stock. Popular toppings for tomato soup include sour cream or croutons. Tomato soup is one of the top comfort foods in Poland[3] and the United States.[4] It can be made fresh by blanching tomatoes, removing the skins, then blending into a puree. 

Soup recipes are generally the most underrated recipes in Indian cuisine. There are many traditional and modern unique recipes but they rarely get the attention and visibility like other recipes. One such traditional and ancient soup recipe is the tomato shorba recipe adapted from Persian cuisine. The difference between 'soup' and 'shorba' lies in the texture of shorba, which is slightly thinner and less creamy than normal tomato soup. Moreover, the shorba recipes are spicier and are generally made with minced meat or choice of veggies. In this case, ripe tomatoes are used with ginger, garlic and coriander leaves. It is an ideal medicine for common cold and indigestion problems and recommended to be served just before the meal.[5] India also has its own unique versions of tomato soups such as "rasam" which originates in South India and tomato "saar"  in Western India which also uses coconut milk in addition to the other ingredients.

Shorba or Chorba is a kind of a hot soup or stew relished across Middle-East Asia, South and Central Asia, and North Africa. Believed to have originated in the Persia, it is traditionally prepared by simmering meat in boiling water along with salt and flavored with aromatic curry spices and herbs. Over the years, vegetarian variants of the shorba have become popular as well. Shorba is derived from an Arabic term, 'Shurbah', meaning soup.  The flavoured broth is served after separating it from the meat and vegetables, as a starter or as part of the main course. Chef Sadaf Hussain, contestant of Masterchef India 2016 shares, "People have been making the stew since ancient times. Central Eurasians (8th to 4th Centuries BC) used to put the flesh into an animal's paunch, mix water with it, and boil it over bone fire. This can be referred as the first ever stew in human history. The modes of preparation changed over the years, and "Shorba" evolved with the addition of spices. Another theory also tells us that when Mughals came to India, they brought a lot of dishes, shorba being one of them."He goes on to add, "One of the most basic shorbas popular in India is the tamatar shorba which has garlic, garam masala, crushed pepper, cumin powder and vegetable stock.[5] The essence of this beautifully aromatic shorba is the tadka which means a quick saute of spices to release their flavour and fragrance before the core ingredients are added to it.[6]

Tamatar shorba is a good appetizer and aids good digestion. Tomato is a vital ingredient in most of the recipes in Indian cooking and also the base to many dishes. Tomato gives an excellent tanginess, color and gravy to the dish. Tomato has many benefits to fight against diseases. The lycopene present in tomatoes help fight against diseases and is a potent anti oxidant that combats free radical activity. The rich redness of tomato is due to the presence of lycopene. Tomatoes are extensively used throughout the world in many cuisines. It is a versatile ingredient that is used in soups, salads, condiments and main course as well. Tomatoes are rich in potassium and vitamin B and these two nutrients help lower blood pressure. Tomato shorba is one among the aromatic, flavorful and delectable soups which is liked by one and all especially vegetarians.It has a unique combination of sweet, sour and spicy flavours and is loaded with healthy compounds. A home-made version is healthier, cheaper and delicious to taste. This is a fantastic dish for those suffering from sore throat, cold and adds an interesting punch to your palate.[6]

1. Tomato History - the History of Tomatoes as Food". Homecooking.about.com. 27 May 2014. Retrieved 18 August 2014
2. Herbig, Paul A. (1998). Handbook of Cross-Cultural Marketing. Binghamton, NY: International Business Press. p. 45. ISBN 978-0789001542. Irish and Italians prefer creamy tomato soup, Germans want rice, and Columbians want spice.
3. Always home-made, tomato soup is one of the first things a Polish cook learns to prepare." [in:] Marc E. Heine. Poland. 1987; "tradycyjny obiad kuchni polskiej, składający się z zupy pomidorowej z makaronem, kotleta schabowego, ziemniaków, mizeri z ogórków i kompotu." [in:] Etnografia polska. PAN. t. 48-49, 2004
4. About.com. "Top 25 Comfort Foods and Recipes". Retrieved 18 November 2012.
5. https://hebbarskitchen.com/tomato-shorba-recipe-tamatar-shorba/
6. https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/shorba-the-flavourful-indian-soup-perfect-for-this-nippy-weather-1723358
7. https://www.cookrepublic.com/tamatar-shorba-indian-tomato-soup-holi-memories/
8. https://www.vahrehvah.com/tomato-shorba-indian-recipe