Thakkali Rasam:

Other Names: Cherry Tomato Rasam. Paruppu Rasam. Muzhu Paruppu-Muzhu Thakkali Rasam.

One of our friend popped in on the other day…brought his bounty of harvest. It was so refreshing to see something fresh from the backyard.

I always relish cherry tomatoes fresh or toss them in the salads. I felt somewhat unethical to cook these new-young-vibrant lil ones.

Ingredients:

Thuvar dal/ lentils 1 cup
Large tomatoes 1 crushed
Cherry tomatoes 1 cup
Salt
Turmeric 1 pinch
Rasam powder 1 spoon
Garlic 5-7 with skin, crushed
Dry red chilies 5 crushed
Curry leaves few
Peppercorn 1/4 spoon
Cumin seeds 1/2 spoon
Mustard seeds 1/4 spoon
Oil few spoons
Cilantro leaves few.

Method:

Cook lentils briefly, that is…it should be cooked but also intact in shape (not mushy).

In a pan, heat oil. add the tempering spices. Followed by chilies, garlic, crushed tomatoes and cooked lentils. Cover and cook for few minutes.

Then followed by salt, turmeric, rasam powder and 4-6 cups of water. Now toss the cherry tomatoes as well, bring this to boil and remove from heat.

Garnish with cilantro leaves.

Serve as a soup or to go with rice. Enjoy:)