Tomato rasam is a simple watery soup made with tomatoes, lentils, tamarind extract and spices in every South Indian home.This particular recipe is from the coastal town of Udupi, famous for its SriKrishna temple & satvik food. Udupi tomato rasam is known for its simple, gently spiced aromatic flavors.It is traditionally, served with hot steaming rice for lunch, along with papadum/thin crispy rice chips, but also can be served as soup.
What is Rasam/Saaru/Chaaru?
Rasam /Saaru / Chaaru is a thin watery soup of South Indian origin. It is traditionally prepared using tamarind extract/juice as a base, with an addition of tomatoes, chili peppers and spices like cumin and coriander seeds as seasoning. Steamed lentils may be added along with any choice of vegetables to the rasam to make it more nutritious.
Does the South Indian meal menu include rasam every day?
A typical South Indian meal is a three course meal. Yes, you read it right.Rice is the staple food. First course is rice with sambar, second rice with rasam, third rice with yogurt/curds. We do not count the desserts in the three course meal, coz that is a given.
Sambar is a thick lentil based curry made with different vegetables. Rasam follows sambar since it is thinner in consistency & easy to digest.Read all about the health benefits of rasam here. Yogurt or curd rice is the last course in the meal, where yogurt is believed to temper the spiciness of the former .Yogurt/curds apart from preventing acid reflux in the stomach also serves as a rich source of protein.
How is Udupi cuisine different from other cuisines in the region?
Udupi cuisine comprises dishes made primarily from grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits. It adheres strictly to the Satvik tradition of Indian vegetarian cuisine, using no onions or garlic, as well as no meat, fish, or shellfish.
What is the significance of Satvik food?
Satvik diet encourages foods that are grown and ripened naturally. It avoids any kind of food that involves killing or harming animals. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts are satvic and are believed to clean the mind and body leading to optimal physical and mental health.
Why is Udupi tomato rasam/saaru a winter soup?
Udupi tomato rasam is a perfect winter fare with its aromatic, soothing and warming flavors.It is a lovely warming soup to sip on a cold winter day. The aromatic spices used in the rasam will banish the gloominess of a cold dark day. It is a great soup when you are down with the fu or to chase away the nagging cough or cold.
Udupi Tomato Rasam|How to make
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes181
kcal30
minutesIngredients
3 3 Tomatoes
3 3 -4 Green chilies
1/2 tsp 1/2 Tamarind paste liquefied with water to make an extract of one cup
3 pieces 3 Jaggery
1/4 tsp 1/4 Turmeric powder
A few A few Curry leaves
1 cup 1 Toor Dhal cooked
3 cups 3 Water
4 tsp 4 Homemade Udupi Rasam powder
2 tsp 2 Coconut Flakes
A few A few Cilantro/Coriander leaves for garnishing
Salt to taste
- For seasoning
1 tsp 1 Coconut Oil
1/2 tsp 1/2 Mustard seeds
3 3 -4 Dry red Chilies
1 tsp 1 Chana & Urad Dhal mix
A pinch Asoefoetida/Hing
Directions
- In a pan add the tomatoes, green chillies, jaggery, turmeric & tamarind extract along with the curry leaves & bring it to a boil after adding salt to taste.
- When the tomatoes turn soft & mushy & add the cooked toor dhal, along with 3 cups of water & mix well.
- Next add the homemade Udupi rasam powder & mix well .Cover with lid and allow it to boil for a minute or two until the flavors mix.
- Remove from flame, add the coconut flakes & garnish with cilantro after seasoning.
- Serve hot with steamed rice & papadums.
Notes
- Adding jaggery to the rasam/saaru gives it a sweet taste.
- The homemade rasam powder is the secret ingredient in bringing out the authentic flavors of the land.
- I use Roma tomatoes for most of my recipes since they are paste tomatoes & are meaty & good for sauces & soups/rasams.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories181
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7g 11%
- Saturated Fat 5g 25%
- Sodium 508mg 22%
- Potassium 875mg 25%
- Total Carbohydrate 29g 10%
- Dietary Fiber 9g 36%
- Sugars 19g
- Protein 4g 8%
- Vitamin A 61%
- Vitamin C 81%
- Calcium 6%
- Iron 6%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
What are the different types of rasam?
You can make any number of instant rasam’s if you have your homemade rasam powder ready. I prefer homemade spice powders, since the aroma from freshly made spices taste better then the one’s sitting in the store aisle for months together.
The Bottom Line
Would you try to make this spicy sweet, tangy Udupi Tomato rasam/soup this summer?
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