Tomato rasam is a quintessential South Indian dish that brings together the tanginess of tomatoes, the aromatic flavors of spices, and the comforting warmth of a well-made soup. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a soup on its own or paired with steamed rice and other traditional side dishes. Let’s delve into the world of tomato rasam and explore why it has become a favorite among many.
Ingredients:
- – 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- – 1 small lemon-sized ball of tamarind
- – 2 cups water
- – 1 teaspoon ghee or oil
- – 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- – 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- – 1-2 dried red chilies
- – 8-10 curry leaves
- – 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- – 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- – 1 teaspoon rasam powder (store-bought or homemade)
- – 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- – Salt to taste
- – Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- 1.Soak the tamarind in warm water for about 15 minutes. Extract the juice and discard any seeds or fibers. Set aside.
- 2.Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
- 3.Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté for a minute until they turn golden brown.
- 4.Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy, about 5-6 minutes.
- 5.Add tamarind juice, rasam powder, turmeric powder, black pepper powder, and salt to the pan. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
- 6.Add water to adjust the consistency of the rasam. Bring it to a gentle boil and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- 7.Taste the rasam and adjust the salt and spices according to your preference.
- 8.Finally, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and turn off the heat.
- 9.Serve the tomato rasam hot as a soup or with steamed rice and any side dish of your choice.
Note:
You can customize the spice level by adjusting the quantity of rasam powder and black pepper powder according to your taste.
Enjoy the tangy and aromatic tomato rasam as a comforting meal or as a soothing soup to warm up your taste buds. It’s a perfect dish to enjoy during the cooler months or when you need a refreshing and light meal.