Dal Rasam is a tangy, warming South Indian broth made with tamarind, pepper, and aromatic spices. This light vegetarian dish aids digestion, is virtually calorie-free, and is perfect for intermittent fasting and bariatric diets.
Rinse 1 cup toor dal thoroughly and boil with 2 cups water until soft (about 15 minutes on a gentle simmer); keep the lid slightly ajar to prevent foaming.
In a separate saucepan, combine 2 tbsp tamarind pulp, diced tomato, turmeric, and red chili powder with 2 cups water; simmer uncovered over medium heat for 8 minutes.
Mash the cooked dal until smooth, stir it into the simmering tomato-tamarind mixture, and add salt. Let it gently boil for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat, add a few drops of oil, then temper mustard seeds, cumin seeds, black pepper, and asafoetida until the mustard seeds pop and the spices become aromatic (about 1 minute).
Immediately pour the tempered spices over the hot rasam. Stir in curry leaves, simmer for another 1-2 minutes, and finish with fresh chopped cilantro for garnish. Serve hot.