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Tomato Rasam

Spicy South Indian tomato soup tempered with aromatic spices.

Tomato Rasam is a tangy South Indian soup made by simmering tomatoes with tamarind and spices in water, then tempering with mustard seeds, curry leaves and cumin.

Updated 4/25/2025
Tomato Rasam

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

15 min

Total Time

25 min

Servings

4

Ingredients

  • Garlic - 3 cloves
  • Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp
  • Himalayan Pink Salt - 1 tsp
  • Tomatoes - 3 pcs
  • Water - 800 ml
  • Vegetable Oil - 1 tbsp
  • Cilantro - 2 tbsp
  • Curry Leaves - 8 leaves
  • Tamarind - 1 tbsp
  • Cumin - 1 tsp
  • Chili Powder - 1 tsp

Directions

  • Step 1

    Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat.

  • Step 2

    Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and let them pop.

  • Step 3

    Stir in 1 tsp cumin seeds and 8 curry leaves; sauté 30 seconds.

  • Step 4

    Add 3 chopped tomatoes, 800 ml water and 1 tbsp tamarind paste; bring to a boil.

  • Step 5

    Season with 1 tsp chili powder and 1 tsp sea salt.

  • Step 6

    Simmer 10 minutes until tomatoes soften.

  • Step 7

    Add 3 cloves minced garlic; cook 1 minute more.

  • Step 8

    Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro and serve hot.

Cook's Notes

For extra depth, add a pinch of asafoetida during tempering.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

60
Calories
2g
Fat
12g
Carbs
3g
Protein