Tangy Burmese Tamarind and Tomato Soup with Aromatic Spices
A bright and comforting Burmese soup featuring tamarind and tomatoes simmered with warm spices and fresh herbs. This Asian-inspired soup recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 40 minutes, pairs tamarind paste, ripe tomatoes, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 4 medium (500 g), chopped ripe tomatoes
- 1 small (100 g), diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 liter vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- to taste salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and toast for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 100 g diced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until onions are softened and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 tsp chili powder, 3 tbsp tamarind paste, and 500 g chopped ripe tomatoes. Cook for 6-7 minutes until tomatoes break down and become saucy.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 liter vegetable broth, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to develop flavors.
- Step 5: Season with salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tangy Burmese Tamarind and Tomato Soup with Aromatic Spices take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Tangy Burmese Tamarind and Tomato Soup with Aromatic Spices?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tamarind paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tangy Burmese Tamarind and Tomato Soup with Aromatic Spices?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Tangy Burmese Tamarind and Tomato Soup with Aromatic Spices for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Tangy Burmese Tamarind and Tomato Soup with Aromatic Spices vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
