This Tomato soup has a nice umami, spicy and a tart flavor to it. This recipe is inspired from the popular Southern Indian dish called “Rassam” and in its original version, it is much spicier and is almost of water like consistency. The spiciness of this soup, helps clear the throat and the nostrils and improves digestion.
Tomatoes are high in vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K, and folate. Tomatoes contain antioxidants such as lycopene, which can help protect the body against cellular damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
The lycopene in tomatoes may also help lower LDL cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart disease.
The secret of its healing properties is not just in tomatoes itself, but in special ingredients and spices with which you cook it.
Tomatoes are nightshades and the stem has the highest concentration of solanine which are considered toxic and may cause inflammation if consumed in large quantities. So when you remove this part and cook the tomatoes well , you begin to get its beneficial compounds. .
Tomato Soup | Rasam
Cuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes15
minutes600
kcalIngredients
Ripe red Tomatoes – 300 gm
Tamarind – 25 gm
Dry red chili – 2
Black Mustard seeds – 1 teaspoon
Garlic – 1 Tbsp
Ginger – 1 Tbsp
A few curry leafs, fresh or dry whatever you have
Asafoetida or Hing – ¼ teaspoon
Ground red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
Salt 1 teaspoon
Directions
- We need to soak the tamarind first. So take a cup of warm water and soak the tamarind in it , this will make the tamarind softer and then you can remove the pulp and get the extract.
- Now, wash and cut the tomatoes. Make sure that you remove the eye of the tomatoes and the green part. Put these diced tomatoes in a blender and blend it into a fine puree.
- Now take a pot and heat about two tablespoons of oil. Add one teaspoon of black mustard seeds and two whole red chillies. Allow the Mustard seeds to sputter and then, add 1 tablespoon of chopped ginger and 1 tablespoon of garlic. If you want the garlic flavor to be stronger than you can even crush it.
- Add curry leaves now. It can be fresh curry leaf or even dried ones whatever you have available.
- Let it cook for about a minute and then add a quarter teaspoon of Asafoetida or Hing. And in just about 5 seconds the strong pungent aroma of Asafoetida will mellow down.
- Add tomato puree to the pot now and mix all the ingredients nicely.
- Now it is time to add the tamarind extract. So take the bowl in which you had soaked the tamarind, squeeze the pulp and the juices will come out. Add this extract to the soup.
- Adding ground chili is optional so if you like it hot, then add 1 teaspoon or less of ground red chili. About a teaspoon of salt and stir the contents once again.
- Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes and check if you want to make the soup thinner and more sour.
- Bring this soup to a boil, and in about 5 to 7 minutes the soup should be ready to be served.
Recipe Video
