South African Culinary Heritage Collection
SA Recipes
Ref: SAR-0042
Printed 03 November 2026
Holiday & Party
Quick & Easy
Side Dishes
Tomato and Onion Smoor (Cooked Version)
Recipe by
Christo Lochenberg
Published 14 November 2025
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Ingredients
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- 30ml (2 tbsp) Oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, crushed (optional)
- 1 green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped (optional)
- 15ml (1 tbsp) medium curry powder (optional, for depth)
- 6-8 ripe tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and chopped (or 2 cans (410g each) chopped tomatoes)
- 125ml (1/2 cup) water or vegetable stock
- 5ml (1 tsp) sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
About This Recipe
While the quick smoor is popular, this is a richer, more slowly cooked version, sometimes with a touch of curry, perfect as a substantial side or light main.
Preparation Instructions
- Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until very soft and deeply golden (about 10-15 minutes). The longer they cook, the sweeter they become.
- Add crushed garlic and chopped chilli (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the curry powder (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, water/stock, and sugar. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down into a rich, thick sauce.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs, alongside pap, rice, braai meat, or as a base for fried eggs.
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© 2026 SA Recipes · Recipe by Christo Lochenberg
Source: https://sarecipes.co.za/browse/recipe/tomato-and-onion-smoor-cooked-version · Developed by Christo Lochenberg
