Easy Tomato Rasam Recipe: A Tangy South Indian Classic

By Govind Kaushik

September 21, 2025

A delectable South Indian stew that features ripe tomatoes, tamarind, and other spices. It is a comforting, tangy bowl of soup that is surprisingly easy to make at home. Check out how to make this classic dish!

Ingredients

4 pureed ripe tomatoes 2 cups tamarind water 1 tsp rasam powder 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp ground black pepper 1 tsp ground cumin seeds 3-4 crushed garlic cloves 1 tsp mustard seeds 2 dried red chillies A pinch of asafoetida 1 sprig of curry leaves 2 tsp oil or ghee Fresh coriander leaves Salt to taste

Step 1

Start by boiling tomatoes in tamarind water, turmeric, and salt, and simmer until the tomatoes soften.

Step 2

Now add rasam powder, pepper, cumin, garlic for flavour, and simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Heat oil in a pan, splutter mustard seeds, add dry chillies, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida.

Step 4

Pour the tempering into the rasam, stir well, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Step 5

Serve this hot, delicious soup with rice and papad.