Imagine a steaming bowl of tangy and flavorful garlic tomato rasam, bringing warmth and comfort to your taste buds. This article will share a delicious recipe for this savory South Indian soup.

Packed with the goodness of ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a blend of traditional spices, this rasam is the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and comforting flavors.

So, grab your apron and get ready to indulge in a bowl of flavorful goodness that will leave you craving for more.

Ingredients

To make a delicious and flavorful tomato garlic rasam, you will need the following ingredients:

Fresh tomatoes

Start with ripe and juicy tomatoes to give your rasam a tangy and refreshing taste. Tomatoes contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote overall health.

Garlic cloves

Garlic adds a solid and aromatic flavor to the rasam. It is known for its numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Tamarind paste

Tamarind paste adds a unique tangy and slightly sour taste to the rasam. It is also known for its digestive properties and is a rich source of vitamins and minerals.

Rasam powder

Rasam powder blends spices like coriander seeds, black pepper, cumin seeds, and red chili powder. It gives the rasam its signature taste and flavor.

Turmeric powder

Turmeric powder adds a vibrant yellow color to the rasam and offers many health benefits. It is a potent antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Cumin seeds

Cumin seeds impart a warm and earthy essence to the rasam. They are known for their digestion and metabolism-boosting properties.

Mustard seeds

Mustard seeds are used for tempering and add a delightful crunch to the rasam. They are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and are believed to improve digestion.

Curry leaves

Curry leaves are a staple in South Indian cuisine. They have a distinct aroma and lend a subtle flavor to the rasam. Curry leaves are also known for their antioxidant properties.

Asafoetida

Asafoetida, or “hing,” is a dried resin with a unique and spicy aroma. A small pinch of asafoetida enhances the overall taste of the rasam.

Black pepper

Black pepper not only adds a spicy kick to the rasam but also helps digestion and promotes respiratory health.

Salt

Salt is an essential ingredient in any dish. It enhances the flavors and balances the taste of the rasam.

Water

Water is needed to cook the rasam and achieve the desired consistency. Make sure to use fresh and clean water for the best results.

Preparation For Garlic Tomato Rasam

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s look at the preparation process for each ingredient in the tomato garlic rasam.

Preparing the tomatoes

Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and chop them into small pieces. You can peel the skin or leave it on depending on your preference. Set the chopped tomatoes aside for later use.

Crushing the garlic

Peel the garlic cloves and crush them using a mortar, pestle, or garlic press. Crushing the garlic releases its flavors and allows it to infuse into the rasam.

Preparing tamarind paste

Soak a small piece of tamarind in warm water for a few minutes. Once it softens, extract the pulp by squeezing it with your hands or using a filter. Discard the solid residue and keep the tamarind pulp aside.

Tempering the rasam

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a small pan and add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. Let them splutter for a few seconds. Then, add asafoetida, crushed garlic, and black pepper. Stir-fry until the garlic turns golden brown and releases its aroma.

Boiling the rasam

Add the chopped tomatoes, tamarind pulp, turmeric powder, rasam powder, and salt in a separate saucepan. Add water to achieve the desired consistency and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the flavors meld together.

Step-by-step Instructions

Now that we have prepared all the necessary ingredients let’s proceed with the step-by-step instructions to make the heavenly tomato garlic rasam.

Step 1: Preparing the tomatoes

Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly and chopping them into small pieces. Depending on your preference, you can peel the skin or leave it on. Set the chopped tomatoes aside for later use.

Step 2: Crushing the garlic

Peel the garlic cloves and crush them using a mortar, pestle, or garlic press. This will release the flavors of garlic and allow it to infuse into the rasam.

Step 3: Preparing tamarind paste

Soak a small piece of tamarind in warm water for a few minutes until it softens. Once softened, extract the pulp by squeezing it with your hands or using a filter. Discard the solid residue and keep the tamarind pulp aside.

Step 4: Tempering the rasam

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a small pan and add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. Let them splutter for a few seconds to release their flavors.

Then, add a pinch of asafoetida, crushed garlic, and black pepper—Stir-fry for a minute or until the garlic turns golden brown and fills the air with its aroma.

Step 5: Boiling the rasam

Add the chopped tomatoes, tamarind pulp, turmeric powder, rasam powder, and salt in a separate saucepan. Adjust the amount of rasam powder and salt according to your taste preference.

Add water to achieve the desired consistency and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Tips and Variations

Now that you know the basic steps to prepare tomato garlic rasam, here are some tips and variations to enhance the taste and customize the recipe according to your liking.

Adding vegetables

You can add chopped vegetables like carrots, beans, or peas to make your rasam more wholesome and nutritious. Simply sauté the vegetables with the tempering spices before adding the tomatoes and other ingredients.

Adjusting the spice level

The spiciness of the rasam can be adjusted according to your preference. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of black pepper or red chili powder.

On the other hand, if you enjoy a fiery kick, increase the spice level by adding extra black pepper or red chili powder.

Using homemade rasam powder

While store-bought rasam powder works fine, making your homemade rasam powder can elevate the flavors of the rasam.

Roast and grind equal parts of coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black pepper, and red chili powder for a fresh and aromatic rasam powder.

Adding jaggery for sweetness

Add a small amount of jaggery or brown sugar if you prefer a slightly sweet and tangy taste in your rasam. This will balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste.

Garnishing options

You can garnish your tomato garlic rasam with fresh coriander or curry leaves for a final touch. This adds a burst of freshness and visual appeal to the dish.

Health Benefits of Tomato Garlic Rasam

Apart from its incredible taste, tomato garlic rasam provides numerous health benefits. Let’s take a look at some of them:

Rich in antioxidants

Tomatoes and garlic are both excellent sources of antioxidants. These antioxidants help protect the body against free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting overall well-being.

Boosts immunity

Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties. It contains compounds that enhance the function of the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and diseases.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Turmeric, garlic, and black pepper used in the rasam have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of tomato garlic rasam can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions.

Digestive aid

The combination of tamarind, garlic, and spices in the rasam aids digestion. They help stimulate the secretion of enzymes, promote healthy gut bacteria, and improve overall digestive health.

Aids in weight management

Tomato garlic rasam is low in calories and fat, making it a suitable addition to a weight management diet. The spices used in the rasam, like black pepper and turmeric, also have metabolism-boosting properties, which can aid in weight loss.

In conclusion, tomato garlic rasam is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed as a soup or served alongside rice or idli.

Its tangy and flavorful taste and numerous health benefits make it a popular choice in South Indian cuisine. Try making this comforting and nutritious rasam today and experience its goodness yourself!