This mango-pineapple rasam recipe is a fruity spin off on the soupy rasam and one of the most pleasantly surprising rasam variations you will find. The typical rasam primarily derives its flavour from tamarind and tomato, with spices like pepper and cumin adding heat and aroma along with other aromatics that are part of te spice powder and some fried in oil. This version follows the same recipe but introduces mango and pineapple.
The rasam recipe’s spice mix is what makes it uniquely summer friendly with dry-roasted red chillies, garlic, peppercorns, cumin, and a teaspoon of toor dal, which add a small but impactful quantity that adds body to the thin rasam, and a nuttiness that pre-made rasam powder lacks. This powder, combined with the natural sugars of mango and pineapple, creates a rasam that is warming and aromatic without being aggressively spicy.
Like all good rasam recipes, this one pairs with steamed rice and a dry vegetable poriyal for a complete South Indian meal. You can also consume it plain, like a soup and as a digestive aid. Or, go all out and serve it in a small bowl alongside heavier main course dishes, to balance out the grease and heavier spices.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
2½ cupsTamarind water
1 mediumTomato (chopped)
1 cupPineapple (chopped) (reserve ¼ cup for pureeing)
¼ cupRipe mango (chopped)
½ tspTurmeric powder
a small pinchAsafoetida (hing)
to tasteSalt
for garnishingFresh coriander leaves
for garnishingCurry leaves
2Dried red chillies To grind into powder (for rasam)
Soak a ball of tamarind in 3 cups of warm water for 10 minutes. Squeeze and strain to extract the tamarind water. Discard the pulp and seeds.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Make the Rasam Powder
Dry roast the dried red chillies, garlic cloves, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and toor dal in a small pan for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Let it cool and grind. Set aside.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Prepare the Fruits
Chop the pineapple into small bite-sized pieces. Set aside ¼ cup of the chopped pineapple and blend the rest into a chunky puree. Chop the mango and the tomato.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Make the Rasam Base
Add the tamarind water to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Add the turmeric powder, asafoetida, and salt. Once it starts boiling, add the tomato, pineapple, and mango. Mix well.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Add the Rasam Powder and Boil
Add the rasam powder and mix. Let the rasam simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Switch off the flame.
Description - Step 6
Step 6: Add Coriander and Curry Leaves
Description - Step 7
Step 7: Prepare the Tempering and Finish
Heat the ghee in a small pan. Add the mustard and cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then add the crushed garlic cloves. Fry for a few seconds. Pour the tempering immediately over the rasam. Serve at once.
A: Mango and pineapple are the perfect pairings in drinks, desserts, chutneys, and salads, adding sweetness with some acidity. For a rasam recipe, it adds some sweetness to an otherwise spicy and sour dish.
A: Pineapple and mango provide vitamin C, antioxidants, fibre, and digestive enzymes like bromelain, helping support immunity, digestion, hydration, and overall cellular health.
A: Rasam is primarily made from tamarind and tomatoes (which makes it sour) with a complex spice mix that makes the rasam recipe quite spicy. The tempering of cumin, mustard seeds and garlic adds more depth.
A: Charu and rasam are essentially the same, with charu being the Telugu version of rasam, which tends to be lighter and simpler, while Tamil-style rasam often uses richer spice blends.