Tomato Rasam: South Indian Comforting Bowl For Changing Season

By Garima Johar

March 27, 2026

Tomato rasam is a hot, comforting South Indian bowl that is the perfect recipe for the changing season. Made with lentils, tomatoes, and basic kitchen spices, follow this recipe to make rasam at home.

Ingredients

1/4 cup toor dal 2 tomatoes 1 small ball of tamarind paste 1 tsp rasam powder A few curry leaves 1 tsp mustard seeds 1/2 tsp cumin seeds A pinch of turmeric powder Red chilli powder to taste Salt to taste Coriander leaves for garnish Oil for tempering

Step 1

Pressure cook toor dal with a few curry leaves.

Step 2

Heat oil, splutter mustard and cumin seeds. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.

Step 3

Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and rasam powder. Sauté for a minute.

Step 4

Add the cooked toor dal, tamarind paste, and water. Season with salt and let it simmer.

Step 5

Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve warm.