This recipe blends two familiar comforts: South Indian rasam and a mild vegetable soup. The tomatoes and tamarind deliver a bright, tangy broth, while the carrots, beans, and peas bring mild sweetness. The spice mix is crushed fresh, creating a depth that bottled masalas miss. It’s light, restorative, and perfect for evenings when your body wants warmth without heaviness.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
For the Rasam Base:
4 mediumRipe tomatoes
1 tablespoonTamarind (soaked in ¼ cup warm water)
4 clovesGarlic
½ teaspoonBlack pepper
1 teaspoonCumin seeds
½ teaspoonRed chilli powder
¼ teaspoonTurmeric powder
to tasteSalt
4 cupsWater
For the Vegetable Soup Component:
1 mediumCarrot, finely chopped
6Beans, finely chopped
¼ cupGreen peas
1 tablespoonOil
½ teaspoonMustard seeds
6–8Curry leaves
1 pinchAsafoetida
2 tablespoonsCoriander leaves, chopped
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Extract Tomato Base
Place chopped tomatoes in a saucepan with a cup of water. Let them boil until the skins soften and the flesh turns pulpy. Press gently with the back of a ladle to release all the juices. Strain through a sieve to remove skins and seeds, giving you a smooth base that keeps the soup bright and clean-tasting.
Description - Step 2
Cook Vegetable Mix
Warm the oil in a pot and let the mustard seeds crackle. Add curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida for aroma. Toss in carrots, beans, and peas, sautéing briefly so the surface warms but doesn’t brown. Pour in two cups of water and let the vegetables simmer until they soften without turning mushy.
Description - Step 3
Build Rasam Flavour
Crush garlic, cumin, and pepper using a mortar and pestle for a fresh, aromatic blend. Add this to the pot of cooked vegetables. Sprinkle with red chilli powder, turmeric, and salt. Pour in the strained tomato extract, followed by the tamarind water. Add the remaining water and let the pot reach a gentle simmer, avoiding a vigorous boil.
Description - Step 4
Final Simmer & Serve
Allow the broth to bubble lightly for a few minutes so the tang, spice, and sweetness balance out. Switch off the heat and stir in coriander leaves. The soup is ready to ladle while still steaming, making it ideal for cool evenings or simple dinners.