Tomato Rasam - Enjoy with Steamed Rice!

Rasam or South Indian Soup is a very common part of South Indian meals.  I must confess that when I am hungry.. the quick lunch that I can think of making is  Rasam and steaming hot rice with Papadam.  It is a comforting meal and also very easy to prepare!

I normally make Rasam with Tamarind and fresh ground rasam powder.  Yesterday, I made Rasam for lunch using Tomato & very little Tamarind. I also had made Oats Wada yesterday.. I have already posted this recipe.  I served the Oats Wada with Tomato Rasam and it tasted awesome.

My mother often made Rasam when anyone in the family was suffering from cold or fever. This is not only tasty but also very soothing when you are unwell.

So enjoy this perfect recipe and the true flavours of home-made Rasam!

Ingredients :

Ripe Tomatoes - 3 to 4

Tamarind - 3 to 4 small pieces

Finely cut Garlic - 1 tbsp

Curry leaves - 5 to 6

Sambar Masala - 2 tsp

Pepper powder - 1/4th tsp

Red Chilli Powder - 1/2 tsp

Jeera Powder - 1 tsp

Garam Masala - 1 pinch

Salt to taste

Cumin (Jeera seeds), Mustard and Asafetodia for tempering

Oil - 1/2 tbsp

Coriander leaves

Method :

Cut the tomatoes into large cubes.  Add the tamarind in it and 3 to 4 cups of water and cook till the tomatoes are soft.  Cool this and grind this in the mixer and strain the soup into a container.  In a pan, heat the oil and add Cumin (Jeera seeds), Mustard and Asafetodia for tempering.  Add the cut garlic and curry leaves and saute for some time.  Low the flame and then add the Red chilly powder, pepper powder, jeera powder and the garam masala, sambar masala and saute.  Now add the strained tomato, salt and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.  Ensure that you do not over boil the Rasam.  Add the coriander leaves and 1/2 tsp of butter to this.  Keep it covered until you serve.  Serve with Steaming hot rice or Wada.