Spicy and Tangy South Indian Rasam Recipe: A One-Pot Soup for a Flavorful Meal

Rasam is a popular South Indian soup that is known for its tangy and spicy flavor. This soup is typically served as a part of a multi-course meal, and it’s also a great way to start off your meal on a light note. In this recipe, I will show you how to make a classic rasam using traditional ingredients and spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 4 cups of water
• 1 teaspoon of tamarind paste
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 teaspoons of rasam powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 medium sized tomatoes, chopped
• 2 medium sized green chilies, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 10-12 curry leaves
• 2 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter)
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnishing)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the toor dal in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, add the rinsed dal, 4 cups of water, tamarind paste, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, black pepper, and rasam powder.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it cook for about 20 minutes until the dal is fully cooked and soft.
4. Once the dal is cooked, use a hand blender or a food processor to blend it into a smooth puree.
5. In a separate saucepan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them crackle for 30 seconds.
6. Add the cumin seeds and curry leaves, and let them cook for another 30 seconds.
7. Add the chopped green chilies, minced garlic, and grated ginger, and sauté for about 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
8. Add the chopped tomatoes to the saucepan, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
9. Pour the blended dal puree into the saucepan with the spices and vegetables, and add salt to taste.
10. Let the rasam boil for about 5 minutes, and then reduce the heat to low.
11. Cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the rasam simmer for another 5 minutes.
12. Once the rasam is ready, remove the saucepan from heat, and transfer it to a serving bowl.
13. Garnish the rasam with fresh coriander leaves, and serve hot.

Rasam is a simple and flavorful soup that is easy to make and perfect for any time of the year. It’s a great way to start off your meal, and it’s also a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.

This classic recipe can also be customized to your liking by adding more spices, vegetables, or even protein to make it more nutritious and flavorful. Some popular additions to rasam include carrots, beans, potatoes, and even chicken or lamb.

Rasam is also a great dish to make in large quantities and store in the fridge for later use. Simply reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop, and you have a quick and easy meal that’s ready in minutes.