Lemon rasam is a flavorful South Indian soup or broth made with the tangy juice of lemons and various spices. It is a soul-warm and comforting recipe, best for winter! Lemon rasam is often served with rice and can be enjoyed as a soup on its own, and is known for its refreshing and appetizing taste.
About Lemon Rasam Recipe
This easy Lemon Rasam recipe can be enjoyed in multiple ways, depending on personal preferences and regional culinary traditions. You can enjoy it with steamed rice or standalone soup. However you choose to have this, the tangy essence of lemon leaves a lasting impression, and it is known for its digestive properties, making it an ideal choice to aid digestion after a meal.
The Lemon Rasam recipe is easy and quick to prepare. Beginners who are not familiar with cooking can also learn how to make Lemon Rasam in no time. Check out the Lemon Nutrition- Calories, Proteins, Carbs.
Ingredients for Lemon Rasam
- 1 teaspoon tamarind pulp
- 1 lemon
- 2 cups water
- 1 small tomato, finely chopped
- 1 green chilli, slit lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon ghee or oil
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- A few curry leaves
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Preparation for Lemon Rasam Recipe
Before proceeding with the Lemon Rasam recipe, you shall follow these preparatory steps to make a healthy bowl of Lemon Rasam;
1. Prepare the tamarind pulp: Soak a ball of tamarind in a bowl of warm water for about 15-20 minutes to soften.
Once the tamarind has softened, squeeze and knead it with your fingers to get the pulp. Strain the mixture through a sieve, collecting the tamarind pulp in a bowl. Discard any seeds or fibres that remain in the sieve.
2. Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all the required ingredients for the Lemon Rasam recipe and finely chop the tomatoes, slit the green chilli, and keep the other spices ready for use.
With the tamarind pulp prepared and the ingredients set, you are now ready to proceed with making the lemon rasam following the given recipe instructions.
How To Make Instant Lemon Rasam at Home (Step Wise)
Here’s a concise step-by-step guide on how to make lemon rasam instantly at home;
Step-1 Heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and dry red chilli.
Step-2 Sauté for a minute and add turmeric powder and asafoetida.
Step-3 Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft.
Step-4 Now boil tamarind pulp, salt, and water together. In the end, after turning off the flames, squeeze lemon juice and mix.
The instant Lemon Rasam recipe is ready to serve. Enjoy!
Method/Steps to Cook Lemon Rasam
Step 1: Prepare the tamarind pulp if not available. This can be easily made from a ball of raw and fresh tamarind. We have mentioned this in the ‘Preparation for Lemon Rasam’ section of this blog.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
- Finely chop the tomato.
- Slit the green chilli lengthwise.
- Keep all the spices, including mustard seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, turmeric powder, and asafoetida, ready for use.
- Gather the curry leaves and coriander leaves for garnishing.
Step 3: Cook the Lemon Rasam
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add cumin seeds, black peppercorns, and asafoetida to the pan. Stir for a few seconds until the spices release their aroma.
- Add curry leaves, green chilli, and chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes turn soft.
- Add turmeric powder and salt to the pan. Mix well.
- Pour water into the pan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tamarind pulp after a boil.
- Squeeze the juice from the lemon and add it to the rasam. Stir again to incorporate the flavours.
- Allow the rasam to simmer for a couple more minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
The flavorful Lemon Rasam recipe with tamarind pulp is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with steamed rice or as a soothing soup.
Any Alternate Way To Make Lemon Rasam
Wondering how to make a Lemon Rasam recipe with an alternative way to make it more interesting and healthier? Here’s a new variation: Ginger Lemon Rasam recipe, infused with the vibrant flavours of ginger that can be enjoyed as a part of a meal or as a soothing remedy for colds and digestive issues. Here’s how to make a bowl of Lemon Raman recipe in a healthier manner;
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon
- 1 small tomato, finely chopped
- 1 green chilli
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated or finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ghee or oil
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- A few curry leaves
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- 2 cups water
Cooking Instructions for Ginger Lemon Rasam Recipe:
Step-1 Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
Step-2 Add mustard seeds and let them splutter, then add cumin seeds, black pepper, curry leaves, green chilli, and grated ginger to the pan. Stir for a few seconds until the spices release their aroma.
Step-3 Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook for a few minutes until they turn soft. Add turmeric powder and salt as well, then mix well.
Step-4 Pour water into the pan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step-5 Squeeze lemon juice and add it to the rasam and stir.
Step- 6 Allow the Rasam to simmer for a couple more minutes. Remove the pan from heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Your Ginger Lemon Rasam recipe is now ready to be served! The addition of ginger adds a zingy flavour and digestive benefits to the Rasam. Enjoy it hot with steamed rice or as a comforting soup. If you’re looking to add Lemon benefits during summer, you may find the Lemon water recipe helpful.
Pro Tips To Make Lemon Rasam at Home
Wondering how to make the perfect and healthy Lemon Rasam recipe? Here are some pro tips to make Lemon Rasam recipe at home:
1. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients, especially when it comes to lemons and tomatoes. Fresh lemon juice will give your rasam a vibrant flavour, and ripe tomatoes will add natural sweetness and tanginess. Dip the lemon into warm water to squeeze the juice easily.
2. Tamarind Balance: If using tamarind pulp, ensure the right balance. Adjust the amount of tamarind pulp according to your taste preference. Start with a small quantity and gradually add more if desired.
3. Use of Spice Temper: When tempering the spices in oil, make sure they are properly toasted and release their aromatic flavours. This step adds richness to the rasam.
4. Simmering Time: Allow the rasam to simmer for an adequate amount of time to let the flavours meld together. This helps in achieving a well-balanced taste.
5. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Finishing the rasam with fresh coriander leaves not only adds a pop of colour but also imparts a pleasant aroma. It adds a refreshing touch to the dish.
By following these pro tips, you can elevate the taste and overall quality of this easy Lemon Rasam recipe, ensuring a delightful and satisfying culinary experience.
Nutritional value of Lemon Rasam
The Lemon Rasam recipe is a light and tangy South Indian soup that offers both flavour and nutritional benefits. While the exact nutritional values may vary depending on the specific recipe and serving size, here are the approximate values for a serving (1 cup or 240 ml) of Lemon Rasam;
Serving Size | 1 bowl |
Carbohydrates | 31.8g |
Proteins | 22.2g |
Fats | 8.4g |
Calories | 292 |
Fibre | 10.6g |
Health Benefits of Lemon Rasam
The Lemon Rasam recipe offers several health benefits due to its combination of nutritious ingredients and the inclusion of lemon. Here are some health benefits of Lemon Rasam:
1. Overall Health: Immune Boosting: Lemon Rasam contains a significant amount of vitamin C from fresh lemon juice. Vitamin C is known for its immune-boosting properties, helping to strengthen the immune system and protect against common illnesses.
2. Good for Gut: Digestive Aid: The spices used in Lemon Rasam, such as cumin and black pepper, have digestive benefits. They can help stimulate digestion, alleviate indigestion, and reduce bloating or gas.
3. Helps in Recovery: Antioxidant Properties: Lemon Rasam is rich in antioxidants, primarily from lemon juice. Antioxidants help protect the body against damage caused by harmful free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
4. Good for Body: Hydration: Lemon Rasam is a hydrating soup due to its water content. Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining overall health, supporting proper bodily functions, and promoting healthy skin.
5. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Some ingredients in Lemon Rasam, such as turmeric and asafoetida, have anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming foods with anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate related conditions.
As with any dish, the overall health benefits of Lemon Rasam depend on the specific ingredients used and individual dietary considerations. It is best to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and consume this dish as a part of a balanced diet for optimal health benefits.
Tips to Limit the Calorie in Lemon Rasam
Wondering how to make a Lemon Rasam recipe with low calories? Here are a few tips on how to make a Lemon Rasam recipe that is low in calories:
1. Reduce Oil or Ghee: Use a minimal amount of oil or ghee for tempering the spices. You can sauté the spices in a non-stick pan with just a teaspoon of oil or use a cooking spray for a lower-fat option.
2. Use Lean Protein: If you prefer to add protein to your rasam, opt for lean protein sources like lentils (dal) or cooked chickpeas. These provide nutrients and satiety without significantly increasing the calorie content. Know your protein intake- How much protein is needed in a day?
3. Choose Low-Fat Yogurt: If you prefer to serve Lemon Rasam with yoghurt as an accompaniment, opt for low-fat or coconut yoghurt instead of full-fat versions to reduce calorie intake.
4. Serve with Steamed Vegetables: Instead of serving Lemon Rasam with rice, consider pairing it with steamed vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or carrots. This adds volume to the meal with fewer calories.
The calorie content of the Lemon Rasam recipe can vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. By implementing these tips, you can limit the calorie content while still enjoying the flavours and benefits of this delicious soup.
FAQs
What’s different in the Lemon Rasam recipe by Livofy?
At Livofy we suggest a recipe for beginners who can also learn how to make Lemon Rasam easily and get all the health benefits. Also, there are recipes with alternatives and how to make them healthier and more interesting.
What is the cooking time for the Lemon Rasam recipe?
The cooking time for Lemon Rasam typically ranges from 15 to 20 minutes, allowing for tempering spices, simmering the rasam, and incorporating the lemon juice.
Is Lemon Rasam healthy?
Yes, Lemon Rasam is considered healthy as it contains nutritious ingredients like lemon, tomatoes, spices, and herbs. It is low in calories, rich in vitamin C, and may offer digestive and immune-boosting benefits.
What is the right time to have Lemon Rasam?
Lemon Rasam can be enjoyed at any time of the day, with steamed rice and other dishes in a South Indian meal. It is an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. It is best to prepare this easy Lemon Rasam recipe during winter for a warm and soothing meal.
Are there any side effects of eating Rasam?
Rasam is safe and healthy to consume, but individuals with stomach allergies to specific ingredients should be cautious. Considering personal dietary needs is the key to enjoying Rasam without adverse effects.
How many calories does Lemon Rasam have?
The calorie content of Lemon Rasam can range from approximately 100 to 200 or more calories per serving, depending on the recipe and ingredients used. Specific variations and portion sizes may alter the calorie count.
How to make the Lemon Rasam recipe more interesting?
Here’s how to make Lemon Rasam more interesting- Experiment with additional flavours by adding ingredients like roasted garlic, curry leaves, or crushed black pepper. You can also try incorporating unique garnishes such as crispy fried shallots, grated coconut, or a drizzle of ghee for added richness and depth of flavour.
How to make Lemon Rasam recipe healthier?
Here’s how to make Lemon Rasam even healthier- use minimal oil or opt for healthier alternatives like cooking spray, incorporate more vegetables for added nutrients and fibre, and reduce or omit coconut and salt to lower fat and sodium content.