Classic South Indian Tomato Rasam Recipe – Quick & Easy Comfort Soup

Tomato Rasam Recipe – A Delightful South Indian Soup (Love With Recipes)

Tomato Rasam, a traditional and widely cherished dish from South India, is not only a flavorful addition to any meal but also incredibly quick and easy to prepare. This tangy, aromatic soup can be served as a comforting drink on chilly evenings or paired with steamed rice for a satisfying lunch or dinner. The base of this rasam is made from ripe tomatoes, complemented by a blend of aromatic spices, tamarind, and lentils. Its mild heat from the chili powder and black pepper, balanced by the freshness of coriander, makes it an irresistible dish for all seasons, especially during the winter months.

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 2-3 people

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dal:

   • Start by thoroughly washing the toor dal or chana dal with water. Pressure cook the dal until soft and well-cooked. You can check the consistency and ensure that it is completely cooked through. Once done, stir it well and set aside.

2. Make Tomato Puree:

   • While the dal is cooking, prepare the tomatoes by par-boiling and peeling them. Blend the peeled tomatoes into a smooth puree. If you’d like, you can also use a tomato grinder for a finer texture.

3. Tempering the Spices:

   • Heat 1 tbsp of ghee in a pan or kadai over low to medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add 1/4 tsp of mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter and release their aroma.
   • Add the garlic cloves, slightly crushed, and the curry leaves to the pan. Sauté for a minute, allowing the flavors to infuse the ghee.

4. Cooking the Rasam:

   • Add the freshly prepared tomato puree to the pan and stir well. Next, add the tamarind paste (or lemon juice, if preferred), coriander powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, black pepper powder, and red chili powder. Stir everything together to combine the spices with the tomato mixture.
   • Let the mixture cook for 5-7 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Adding the Dal:

   • Add the cooked toor dal to the pan along with 2 cups of water. Stir well and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, let the rasam simmer for another 10 minutes, or until foam begins to form on the surface. This is a sign that the rasam is ready.

6. Final Touch:

   • Turn off the heat and add freshly chopped coriander leaves for an extra burst of flavor and freshness. Stir well to incorporate the coriander into the rasam.

7. Serve:

   • Serve the Tomato Rasam hot, either as a soup or paired with steamed rice. This dish goes wonderfully with a side of crispy Bhindi Thoran (Okra Stir Fry) for a complete South Indian meal experience.

Tips for Best Results:

• For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of jaggery or sugar to balance the tanginess from the tamarind.
• If you prefer a spicier rasam, adjust the red chili powder and black pepper to suit your taste.
• You can also add a dash of coconut milk for a creamy twist.

This delightful Tomato Rasam is a must-try for anyone looking to explore South Indian cuisine, offering a comforting yet flavorful experience that will surely win over the hearts of your family and guests. Whether served as a soup or with rice, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that brings the warmth and essence of traditional Indian cooking to your table.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

Indulge in the warmth of this tangy, savory Tomato Rasam and enjoy a true taste of South India, prepared in your own kitchen with ease and comfort!