Onasadya (traditional Onam feast) is prominent in the celebrations of Onam, the harvest and state festival of Kerala. It is famous world-wide, because a number of items (preferably vegetarian) are served in the delicious feast. While Sambhar makes a prominent side dish, served with rice, Rasam is another item that is inevitable from the menu. Typically a South Indian dish, Rasam is known for its health benefits, lip-smacking taste and enticing aroma. It is beneficial to the health because of its digestive qualities. In the following lines, we have given an easy recipe of Tomat/ Thakkali Rasam, to let you know how to make it.

Tomato Rasam Recipe

Ingredients

* 3-4 tbsp Red Gram Daal
* 4 large Tomatoes, finely chopped
* 1/2 tsp Garlic Paste
* 1-inch piece of Ginger, finely chopped
* 21/2 cups Water
* 1tsp Garlic, grated
* 1 or 2 Green Chilies, finely chopped
* Coriander Leaves, finely chopped
* Salt, to taste
* chili or pepper powder, to taste.
* 1/2tsp Turmeric Powder
* 1tsp Mustard Seeds
* 1tsp Cumin Seeds
* 1-2 whole dried Red Chili, halved
* A pinch Asafetida
* Few Curry Leaves
* 2 tbsp Oil

Method

* Pick, wash and pressure cook the daal and keep side.
* Heat 2 tablespoon oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, dried chili and asafetida.
* When mustard seeds start to splutter add garlic, ginger, tomatoes and green chilies.
* Add salt, chili & turmeric powder and a cup of water.
* Simmer for 5-6 minutes and add the cooked daal and 11/2 cup of water and bring to boil.
* Serve hot garnished with coriander leaves.