Tomato Bharta is a flavorful, fire-roasted mash made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, onions, and chilies. It’s bold, smoky, and comforting — a humble yet deeply satisfying side that pairs wonderfully with parathas, dal-chawal, or khichdi.

What is Tomato Bharta?

Tomato Bharta is a traditional Indian-style mash of roasted tomatoes mixed with aromatics like garlic, onion, and chili. It's typically made with minimal ingredients and cooked until beautifully charred, then mashed by hand for a rustic texture.

Main Ingredient of Tomato Bharta

Tomatoes — halved and roasted until blistered and smoky, they form the flavorful base of this dish.

What Is So Special About Tomato Bharta?

• Fire-roasted flavors with minimal ingredients

• Hand-mashed for a rustic, homestyle texture

• Can be served warm or at room temperature

• Naturally vegan and gluten-free

Quick and Easy Tomato Bharta

No fancy tools or long prep — just roast, mash, and enjoy in under 20 minutes!

How to Make Tomato Bharta

1. Dry Roast Aromatics:

• In a dry pan, roast the dried red chilies and garlic cloves for 2–3 minutes until slightly charred. Set aside to cool.

2. Sauté Onions:

• In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp oil and sauté sliced onions until golden. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook Tomatoes:

• Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the same pan. Place halved tomatoes cut-side down and cook for 8–10 minutes until softened and charred.

4. Mash the Bharta:

• In a large mixing bowl, mash the roasted garlic and chilies with your hands or a masher.

• Add in the caramelized onions and roasted tomatoes. Mash everything together until well combined but still a bit chunky.

5. Finish and Serve:

• Stir in chopped coriander and season with salt (and black pepper if using).

• Serve warm or at room temperature with crispy parathas.

Meyer Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron double Handle skillet 26cm

Expert Tips

• For extra smokiness, roast the tomatoes directly over an open flame.

• Don’t over-mash — a slightly chunky texture adds to the charm.

• Add a pinch of roasted cumin powder for an earthy touch.

• Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Recipe Card

Tomato Bharta

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

• Share on Twitter
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Pinterest

Category

Side Dish / Chutney

Servings

4

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Calories

110

A quick, smoky, and rustic Indian-style Tomato Bharta made with roasted tomatoes, garlic, chilies, and onions. The perfect side for parathas or dal-chawal.

Author:

Parth Kapoor

Ingredients

• Tomatoes – 5 to 6 (halved)
• Garlic – 4 to 6 cloves (with skin)
• Onion – 2 (thinly sliced)
• Dried Red Chilies – 2 to 3
• Fresh Coriander – a handful (chopped)
• Oil – 2 tbsp
• Salt – to taste
• Black Pepper – to taste (optional)

View Cart (0) Checkout

Directions

1. Dry roast red chilies and garlic. Cool and set aside.

2. Sauté onions in oil until golden. Remove.
3. Roast halved tomatoes until charred and soft.
4. Mash garlic and chilies. Add onions and tomatoes.
5. Mash well, season, and mix in coriander. Serve!

Recipe Video

Recipe Note

Tomato Bharta can also be used as a base for wraps or smeared over toasted bread for a rustic bruschetta-style snack.