Tomatoes have more to them than just good looks. They pack in powerful antioxidants that help fight damage causing free radicals in the body. Lycopene is a flavanoid found in tomatoes in high amounts that help prevent cancer cells from multiplying.  Since tomatoes are high in potassium, they can be included as part of a healthy diet to control high blood pressure. 

Tomatoes are low in calories and are an excellent source of minerals. Moreover, they are versatile and can be added to any dish!

Here are some interesting tomato based dishes.

Tomato Juice:  

2 big red tomatoes

1 apple diced

2 tbsp ginger juice

1 tbsp honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:  Blend washed and chopped tomatoes and apple in a blender till it is a smooth juice.  Strain, add ginger juice and honey.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Chill before serving.

Beans and tomato roll

¾ cup boiled and cooked rajma 

2 tomatoes chopped fine

1 onion finely chopped

3 or 4 small cabbage leaves

Red chilli powder and salt to taste

Chaat masala

Lemon juice

Small piece ginger chopped

Method:  Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.  Adjust spices according to taste.  Lightly blanch or steam cabbage leaves.  Arrange the leaves on a plate.  Spoon the rajma mixture on each.  Garnish with coriander leaves.  Roll up the cabbage leaves and place a clove to hold it in place.  Serve with tomato sauce or pudina chutney.

Tomato Ginger chutney

Ingredients.  

2 tomatoes chopped

1/4 cup powdered jaggery

1/3 cup grated fresh ginger

1/2 teaspoon jeera seeds

1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

1 green chilli slit

3 teaspoons rice bran oil

1 teaspoon chilli powder

1 teaspoon coriander cumin powder

Method:

Heat oil in a thick bottom pan. Add jeera, mustard seeds. After they crackle, add green chilli , ginger and sauté for a minute. Add tomatoes jaggery and ginger. Mix everything well together.  Cover and cook for 5 minutes till tomatoes get mashed and flavours blend well.  Add chilli powder, coriander cumin seeds powder, mix well.  Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.