Rasam
A tangy, peppery South Indian soup that warms the soul - comfort in a bowl, perfect with rice or sipped on its own.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Servings
4 people
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
For Rasam Powder
For Tempering
Instructions
Make Rasam Powder
10 minsDry roast coriander seeds, cumin, pepper, red chilies, and fenugreek until fragrant. Cool and grind to a coarse powder. This can be made ahead and stored.
Prepare Tamarind Extract
15 minsSoak tamarind in 1 cup warm water for 15 minutes. Squeeze and extract the juice. Discard the pulp. Alternatively, use 1 tbsp tamarind paste diluted in water.
Cook Tomatoes
15 minsBlend tomatoes to a puree. In a pot, add tomato puree, tamarind extract, turmeric, salt, and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add Dal and Rasam Powder
5 minsMash the cooked dal and add to the pot. Add 2 tbsp of the rasam powder. The rasam should be thin and soupy, not thick. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Prepare Tempering
3 minsHeat ghee in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add cumin, red chilies, curry leaves, crushed garlic, and asafoetida. Fry until garlic is golden.
Finish and Serve
5 minsPour tempering over the rasam. Add fresh coriander. Let it rest for 2 minutes. Serve hot in small cups or bowls, or pour over steamed rice.
Chef's Tips
- Don't boil rasam for too long - it loses its fresh flavor
- Rasam should be thin and soupy, never thick
- Fresh curry leaves make a huge difference
- Adding crushed garlic to tempering adds depth
- Drink as soup when you have a cold - it's therapeutic
The Story Behind Rasam
Rasam, also known as "Chaaru" in Telugu and "Saaru" in Kannada, is an essential part of South Indian cuisine. The word comes from Sanskrit "rasa" meaning juice or essence - and that's exactly what this soup is: the essence of tangy, peppery goodness.
Beyond its delicious taste, rasam is valued for its medicinal properties. The pepper and spices are believed to aid digestion and provide relief from cold and flu. Every South Indian household has its own secret rasam powder recipe passed down through generations.