Rasam Recipe Kerala Style With Rasam Powder Easy Cooking

Rasam Recipe Kerala Style is a tangy, spicy, and soul-warming South Indian soup that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or can be enjoyed as a light broth on its own. In Kerala households, this beloved dish is prepared with tamarind, tomatoes, aromatic spices, and rasam powder — offering digestive benefits and deep, layered flavors that speak of tradition and comfort. Rasam, known across South India by various names such as saar, chaaru, or rasam in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam homes, holds a cherished place in daily meals and special occasions like Onam Sadya.

Recipe Card

Ingredients

• 2 medium ripe tomatoes (300 g), finely chopped
• 1 tbsp tamarind pulp (or 1 lemon-sized tamarind soaked and strained)
• 4 cups water
• 1 tbsp Kerala style rasam powder (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp black pepper powder
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
• 1 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
• 2 dried red chillies, broken
• 2–3 cloves garlic, crushed (optional)
• Salt to taste (about 1 tsp)
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Tamarind Water (5 mins)

If using raw tamarind, soak a lemon-sized ball in ½ cup warm water for 10 minutes. Squeeze the pulp and strain to collect tamarind water. Set aside.

2. Cook Tomatoes (5 mins)

Heat a medium pot over medium flame. Add tomatoes and a pinch of turmeric. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until they soften and release juices. Understanding Rasam Recipe Kerala Style is essential.

3. Add Rasam Powder & Spices (2 mins)

Sprinkle the rasam powder, pepper powder, and cumin seeds over the tomatoes. Stir well for 2 minutes to bloom the spices and improve flavor.

4. Add Tamarind Water & Water (3 mins)

Pour in the tamarind water and 3½ cups of water. Add salt to taste. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil on medium heat.

5. Simmer (10 mins)

Once boiling, lower the heat and let the rasam simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. The broth should be thin but flavorful. This relates to Rasam Recipe Kerala Style.

6. Tempering (Tadka) (5 mins)

In a small pan, heat oil or ghee. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add curry leaves, broken red chillies, crushed garlic (optional), and a pinch of asafoetida. Fry briefly until aromatic.

Pour this tempering over the simmered rasam and cover the pot. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving so the tadka infuses into the rasam.

7. Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves on top. Serve warm with steamed rice, appams, or enjoy as a comforting soup. Learn more about Rasam Recipe Kerala Style.

Personal Pro Tips From My Kitchen

• When I visited Kerala last year, I noticed home cooks always let the rasam rest for 10 minutes after adding the tempering — this mellowed the flavors beautifully.
• If you like a more intense aroma, lightly roast the rasam powder before adding it to tomatoes.
• I personally recommend using ghee for tempering if serving with rice — it adds richness that coconut oil doesn’t achieve.
• For a clearer broth, strain the cooked rasam once before adding tempering.

Chef’s Notes

Substitutions

• Tamarind substitute: Use 2 tbsp of lemon juice added after simmering to mimic tanginess.
• Rasam powder: Homemade rasam powder with coriander, cumin, pepper, and dried chilies adds more depth than store-bought. See an authentic recipe here: Homemade Kerala Rasam Powder Ingredients.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftover rasam in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze in portions without coriander leaves for up to one month. Thaw and reheat gently.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Rasam?

Rasam is a thin South Indian soup-like dish made with tamarind, tomatoes, spices, and seasonings, traditionally served with rice or as a soup.

Is Kerala Style Rasam Healthy?

This dish contains spices like black pepper, cumin, turmeric, and tamarind that are known to aid digestion and comfort the stomach, making rasam a nutritious option especially during cold months.

Can I Make Rasam Without Rasam Powder?

Yes! Many home cooks in Kerala make rasam using freshly ground spices instead of rasam powder — this often enhances flavor and freshness.

Rasam Recipe Kerala Style brings the authentic tang, spice, and tradition of South Indian cuisine to your table with ease. Try this easy cooking method today and enjoy the warmth of Kerala’s classic comfort food.