When the weather gets cold or digestion feels overwhelming, nothing relaxes like a bowl of hot tomato rasam. This traditional South Indian soup is light, spicy, and deeply soothing. Tomato rasam made from tomatoes, tamarind, black pepper, garlic, and hot spices is a winter staple in many Indian households. Whether served with steamed rice or enjoyed as a soup, this easy tomato rasam recipe is perfect for cold days, quick meals, or when you crave something nutritious and comforting.
What is Tomato Rasam?
Tomato Rasam is a classic South Indian dish that sits somewhere between soup and thin curries. It is known for its tangy, tangy flavor and digestive benefits. Traditionally, rasam is prepared using simple pantry ingredients and cooked quickly, making it ideal for everyday meals.
Tomato Rasam Recipe Description:
- Cuisine: South Indian
- Course: Soup/main with rice
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 2-3
Ingredients for Tomato Rasam:
- 2 Ripe tomatoes (chopped or crushed)
- 1 small lemon-sized tamarind (or 1 tsp tamarind paste)
- 1 1/2 cups Water
- 1 tsp Rasam Powder
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper (crushed)
- 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds (crushed)
- 2 Garlic cloves (crushed, optional)
- Salt to taste
- A pinch of turmeric powder
For Tempering (Tadka)
- 1 tsp Ghee or Oil
- 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
- 1 Dry red chilli
- 8-10 curry leaves
- A pinch of asafoetida (asafetida)
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
How to Make Tomato Rasam (Step-by-Step):
Step 1: Prepare Tamarind Water
- Soak tamarind in warm water for about 5 minutes. Squeeze and extract the juice. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Tomato Base
- In a pot, add chopped tomatoes, tamarind water, plain water, turmeric, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 8–10 minutes, until tomatoes soften and the raw smell disappears.
Step 3: Add Spices
- Reduce the heat and add rasam powder, crushed black pepper, crushed cumin seeds, and garlic.
- Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes. Avoid boiling for too long to preserve the fresh flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Tempering
- Heat ghee in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add dried red chili, curry leaves, and hing.
- Pour this tempering over the rasam immediately.
Step 5: Garnish and Rest
Turn off the heat. Add chopped coriander leaves.
Cover and let the rasam rest for 2 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Tomato Rasam:
- Serve hot with steamed rice and a spoon of ghee.
- Enjoy it as a warming soup on cold evenings
- Pair with simple vegetable stir-fries or papad
Health Benefits of Tomato Rasam:
- Helps improve digestion
- Keeps the body warm during winter
- Soothes cold, cough, and sore throat
- Light, low-calorie, and nourishing
Tips for Perfect Tomato Rasam:
- Always simmer, never overboil
- Freshly crushed pepper and cumin give the best flavor
- Ghee tempering adds authentic aroma
- Garlic is optional but highly recommended in winter