Best Easy Lemon Rasam Recipe

Sip the comforting warmth of Lemon Rasam, a traditional South Indian spiced broth packed with immune-boosting ingredients. This light, healthy vegetarian dish is ideal for calorie deficit, DASH diet, and family meals.

Cook 30 min Difficulty EASY 70 kcal
#vegetarian #DASH #diabetic friendly #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Water 4 cups
  • Tomatoes 2 pieces
  • Cooked yellow lentils 1 cup
  • Lemon juice (freshly squeezed) 3 tbsp
  • Cilantro leaves 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Turmeric powder 0.5 tsp
  • Ground black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • Asafoetida (hing) 0.25 tsp
  • Salt 1 tsp
  • Mustard seeds 0.5 tsp
  • Cumin seeds 1 tsp
  • Curry leaves 8 pieces
  • Oil 1 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 11 g 63%
Protein 2 g 11%
Fat 2 g 26%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat; add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. When they start to splutter, add curry leaves and asafoetida for 20 seconds.

  2. 2

    Add chopped tomatoes and sauté on medium heat for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in turmeric powder and ground black pepper during the last minute.

  3. 3

    Add cooked yellow lentils and water to the saucepan. Stir thoroughly, then bring to a gentle boil. Skim any foam if necessary.

  4. 4

    Reduce to low heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes for the flavors to combine. Add salt to taste.

  5. 5

    Turn off the heat. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped cilantro leaves. Cover the pot and let the flavors meld for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Lemon Rasam recipe?
The core ingredients that define Lemon Rasam's identity are fresh lemon juice for tanginess, tomatoes for body and sweetness, and cooked yellow lentils for slight creaminess. The tempering of mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves is essential for authentic aroma and flavor.
Q. How do I prevent overcooking the spices and achieve the best flavor?
To get optimal flavor, heat oil first on medium, then add mustard and cumin seeds. Wait until they splutter, then quickly add curry leaves and asafoetida. Avoid cooking the spices on high heat or for too long, as this can make them bitter. Timing and moderate heat are crucial.
Q. What gives Lemon Rasam its light, broth-like texture?
The texture comes from combining a base of water and tomatoes simmered with a small amount of yellow lentils. This creates a clear, light broth without heaviness. Avoid using too many lentils or over-thickening; a gentle simmer is key.
Q. How many calories and carbs per serving does this recipe provide?
Each serving of the Best Easy Lemon Rasam Recipe offers about 70 kcal and 11 grams of carbohydrates. This makes it a light, healthy option suitable for calorie deficit diets and those watching their carb intake.
Q. Why does this recipe fit vegetarian and DASH diet guidelines?
All ingredients are plant-based, and the use of minimal salt, combined with tomatoes, lentils, and spices, aligns perfectly with DASH and vegetarian recommendations for heart health and dietary balance.
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