Thakkali Rasam Recipe – South Indian Tomato Rasam
Description:
Thakkali Rasam, also known as South Indian Tomato Rasam, is a traditional and comforting dish, particularly enjoyed in Tamil Nadu. This simple yet flavorful recipe pairs perfectly with rice or can be enjoyed as a light soup on chilly winter nights.
Cuisine: Tamil Nadu
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
- 25 grams Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder (Haldi)
- 1/2 cup Tamarind Water
- 5 Tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin powder (Jeera), roasted
- 1/2 teaspoon Coriander Powder (Dhania), roasted
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Chilli powder
- Salt, to taste
For the Seasoning:
- 4 Curry leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Jeera)
- 1 tablespoon Ghee
- 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida (hing)
- 2 sprigs Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, finely chopped
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
- Begin by cooking the toor dal (yellow split pea dal) with 1 cup of water until it is very soft. You can cook the dal using a pressure cooker for quicker results. Once done, pour the cooked dal into a bowl and whisk it until smooth. Set it aside.
- Puree the chopped tomatoes in a blender and set aside.
- Heat ghee in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, garlic, and curry leaves. Once the mustard seeds crackle, pour in the tomato puree, tamarind water, coriander powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, asafoetida, black pepper, and red chili powder. Stir the mixture well to combine the spices.
- Close the pressure cooker and cook for one whistle. Turn off the heat.
- After the pressure releases, open the cooker and add the cooked toor dal. Adjust the consistency of the rasam by adding 1 to 2 cups of water. Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed.
- Bring the rasam to a brisk boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let the rasam simmer for 10 minutes until it froths up.
- Once you see the rasam frothing, turn off the heat.
- Garnish the rasam with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve the Thakkali Rasam hot with rice, topped with ghee, and enjoy it alongside a Beetroot Curry or Chow-Chow Curry for a complete meal.
This hearty and flavorful rasam is perfect for a cozy meal with your loved ones!
