This Tomato Rasam is a refined take on the classic — made without tomato seeds to enhance digestibility and texture. Perfect for pitta-pacifying meals, fasting days, or anyone who wants rasam without the acidity of seeds.
What Is Tomato Rasam?
Tomato Rasam is a lightly spiced, soupy South Indian dish. In this version, the tomatoes are de-seeded and blended or finely chopped, giving a smoother, lighter finish. It’s ideal for people with acidity, reflux, or those on Ayurvedic elimination diets.
How to Make Tomato Rasam: The Traditional Way
🛒 Ingredients:
main
- 2 ripe tomatoes (de-seeded, skin-on or peeled)
- 2½ cups water
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- A small piece of ginger (optional)
- A pinch of turmeric
- Rock salt – to taste
- A few coriander leaves for garnish
Tempering
- 1 tsp ghee
- ½ tsp mustard seeds
- Pinch of hing (asafoetida)
- A few curry leaves
- 1 dried red chilli (optional)
🥣 Method:
- De-seed and Prepare Tomatoes:
Cut the tomatoes, scoop out the seeds using a spoon, and discard. You can either blend the pulp to a puree or finely chop it. - Make the Spice Mix:
Coarsely crush cumin, pepper, and ginger in a mortar-pestle. - Cook the Base:
In a pan, add water, tomato puree/chopped pulp, crushed spice mix, turmeric, and salt. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until the flavors infuse. - Add the Tempering:
In a small pan, heat ghee. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Add hing, curry leaves, and red chilli. Pour over the rasam. - Finish:
- Turn off the flame. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
🌿 Ayurvedic Benefits
- De-seeded tomatoes reduce acidity and are easier on the stomach.
- Pepper and cumin improve appetite and reduce bloating.
- Ginger and hing help balance vata and kapha doshas.
- Ghee carries the spices deeper into the tissues (yogavahi effect).
💡Pro Tips from the Indian Kitchen
- To de-seed easily, cut the tomato horizontally and gently squeeze out the seeds.
- For a smoother texture, blend the tomato pulp before cooking.
- Avoid over-boiling after adding tomatoes to retain vitamin C.
- Use ghee for tempering to enhance taste and aid digestion.
❤️ Why We love Tomato Rasam
- Gentle on digestion
- Light and hydrating
- Refreshing and comforting
- Easy to prepare in under 15 minutes
🧘 Ideal For
- Pitta-sensitive individuals
- Light evening meals
- Acidity or reflux-prone digestion
- Post-illness recovery
- Sattvic fasting and elimination diets
