Restorative Tomato Rasam with Black Pepper & Cumin

40 minutes

1179 reads

4.67 from 3 votes

About Restorative Tomato Rasam with Black Pepper & Cumin

Banish the sniffles and embrace warmth with a bowl of this incredible Tomato Rasam. A fragrant fusion of black pepper, cumin, and aromatic spices, this invigorating soup is both a delicious comfort and a soothing remedy for cold and cough.
Unlike traditional versions, this rasam skips the tamarind and lentils, making it surprisingly light and easy to digest. The vibrant spices offer a tantalizing dance for your taste buds and a potential boost for your well-being.
Quick, easy, and perfect for any time of day, enjoy this flavorful rasam as a comforting soup or serve it alongside rice for a truly satisfying meal.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep25 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total40 minutes
Calories49 kcal
Serves5

Ingredients
 

Spices

Aromatics & Produce

Seasoning

  • 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 0.5 Lime juiced, optional
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Instructions
 

  • In a pot, heat 2 teaspoons of ghee over medium heat. Add 1.25 teaspoons of cumin seeds and ¼ teaspoon of asafoetida. Fry until the cumin seeds splutter, which releases their aroma.
    Restorative Tomato Rasam with Black Pepper & Cumin - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the chopped green chilies and a few curry leaves. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
    Restorative Tomato Rasam with Black Pepper & Cumin - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until softened, stirring occasionally. This creates the base of the rasam.
    Restorative Tomato Rasam with Black Pepper & Cumin - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Create a bundle of cilantro stems and leaves by tying them together with kitchen twine. This allows for easy removal later and infuses the rasam with a fresh, herbal flavor.
    Restorative Tomato Rasam with Black Pepper & Cumin - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Stir in the sambar powder, salt, and turmeric powder. Cook for a minute to toast the spices, enhancing their depth.
    Restorative Tomato Rasam with Black Pepper & Cumin - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the cilantro bundle and 4 cups of water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the liquid has reduced by about half. This concentrates the flavors and cooks out the raw spices.
    Restorative Tomato Rasam with Black Pepper & Cumin - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Remove and discard the cilantro bundle.
    Restorative Tomato Rasam with Black Pepper & Cumin - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. While the rasam simmers, prepare the tempering.
    Restorative Tomato Rasam with Black Pepper & Cumin - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Lightly crush the black peppercorns and the remaining 1.25 teaspoons of cumin seeds. Freshly crushing the spices maximizes their flavor and aroma.
    Restorative Tomato Rasam with Black Pepper & Cumin - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Heat the remaining ghee in a small pan. Add the crushed peppercorns and cumin seeds, the remaining asafoetida, and a few fresh curry leaves. Sauté briefly until fragrant.
    Restorative Tomato Rasam with Black Pepper & Cumin - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Pour the tempering over the boiling rasam. This adds a final layer of complexity and richness.
    Restorative Tomato Rasam with Black Pepper & Cumin - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro leaves. For extra tang, add a squeeze of lime juice.
    Restorative Tomato Rasam with Black Pepper & Cumin - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • For enhanced aroma and flavor, dry roast the black pepper and cumin seeds before grinding them; this step intensifies their essential oils and adds more depth to the rasam.
  • If serving as a soup, consider straining the rasam for a clear broth and garnish with a generous sprinkle of chopped coriander stalks for extra freshness and a gentle crunch.
  • To make this rasam vegan, simply swap desi ghee with cold-pressed coconut oil; this will add a subtle South Indian note without compromising the rasam’s comforting qualities.

Expert Tips

  • Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or fewer green chilies. Taste and adjust before serving.
  • For a richer flavor, use homemade rasam powder. Many recipes are available online.
  • Tamarind pulp can vary in sourness. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste, ensuring the rasam achieves a balanced sweet, sour, and spicy profile.

Storage Instructions

  • Leftover rasam can be refrigerated and gently reheated the next day; its flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious as a next-day remedy or meal starter.
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4.67 from 3 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 49kcalCarbohydrates: 3gFat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.4gSodium: 684mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Pv Iyer
Pv Iyer

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