Tasty Amla Rasam Recipe

Tasty Amla Rasam Recipe is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Rajshri Food on YouTube.

Prep: 12 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 37 min

Cost: $3.30 total, $0.83 per serving

Ingredients

  • 5 pieces Amla (fresh, chopped; remove seeds)
  • 1 piece Tomato (medium, chopped)
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (whole seeds)
  • 10 pieces Black Peppercorns (whole)
  • 5 grams Ginger (peeled and chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic Cloves (peeled and chopped)
  • 2 tbsp Ghee (unsalted, melted)
  • 10 leaves Curry Leaves (fresh)
  • 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder (ground)
  • 2 pieces Green Chilies (slit lengthwise)
  • 1 tbsp Coriander Leaves (fresh, chopped)
  • 1 cup Cooked Moong Dal (soft, well‑cooked)
  • 10 grams Jaggery (grated or chopped; small lemon‑size piece)
  • 2.5 cups Water (filtered)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (or to taste)
  • 0.5 tbsp Rasam Powder (store‑bought; optional)
  • 0.5 tsp Mustard Seeds (whole)
  • 1 pinch Asafoetida (ground)
  • 2 pieces Dry Red Chilies (whole)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Amla Paste

    Chop 3‑4 amlas, 1 medium tomato, half‑inch ginger, 3‑4 garlic cloves, ½ tsp cumin seeds and 8‑10 black peppercorns. Grind everything into a coarse paste using a grinder or mortar and pestle.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat 1 tbsp ghee in the pan over medium heat. Add 5‑6 curry leaves, ½ tsp turmeric powder, 2 slit green chilies and 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves. Saute for 1‑2 minutes until fragrant.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium heat (≈150°C)

  3. Add Amla Paste

    Stir the prepared amla paste into the pan and cook for about 1 minute, mixing well with the aromatics.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat (≈150°C)

  4. Incorporate Cooked Moong Dal

    Add 1 cup cooked moong dal to the pan, stirring to combine evenly.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat (≈150°C)

  5. Season and Add Liquids

    Add a small lemon‑size piece of jaggery, 2½ cups water, ½ tsp salt, optional extra 2 amla pieces, and ½ tbsp rasam powder if using. Stir until jaggery dissolves.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium heat (≈150°C)

  6. Simmer

    Allow the rasam to simmer gently for 5‑7 minutes. Do not let it boil vigorously; just let the flavors meld.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: Low simmer (≈90°C)

  7. Prepare Tempering

    In a small saucepan, heat 1 tbsp ghee. Add ½ tsp mustard seeds and ½ tsp cumin seeds; let them splutter. Then add a pinch of asafoetida, a few curry leaves and 2 dry red chilies. Stir for a few seconds.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat (≈180°C)

  8. Finish and Serve

    Pour the hot tempering directly into the simmering rasam, give a good stir, and serve warm. Optionally, add a dollop of ghee on top before serving.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Allergens: Dairy (ghee)

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Tasty Amla Rasam Recipe

Recipe by Rajshri Food

A soothing, vitamin C‑rich South Indian rasam made with fresh amla, cooked moong dal, and a fragrant ghee tempering. Perfect as a comforting soup or to sip after a meal, and pairs beautifully with steamed rice.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
19m
Prep
12m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
41m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.30
Total cost
$0.83
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Grinding the amla paste to create the flavor base.
  • Tempering the ghee with mustard, cumin, asafoetida and chilies.
  • Gentle simmering without a hard boil to preserve the delicate balance.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot ghee carefully to avoid splatter burns.
  • Use a sharp knife when chopping amla and ginger; keep fingers tucked.
  • Mustard seeds can pop violently; keep a lid nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Amla Rasam in South Indian cuisine?

A

Amla Rasam is a traditional South Indian soup that combines the sour tang of amla with the warming spices of rasam. Historically, it was prepared as a digestive aid after heavy meals and is valued for its high vitamin C content, especially in coastal regions where amla grows abundantly.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Amla Rasam in South Indian cuisine?

A

In Tamil Nadu, the rasam may include a touch of tamarind and more black pepper, while in Kerala, coconut oil is sometimes used instead of ghee and curry leaves are added in larger quantities. Some families also add a pinch of fenugreek seeds for extra aroma.

cultural
Q

How is Amla Rasam traditionally served in South Indian households?

A

Amla Rasam is typically served hot, either sipped on its own as a digestive broth or poured over steamed rice. A small dollop of ghee is added on top just before serving, and it is often accompanied by a side of pickle or papad.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is Amla Rasam traditionally associated in Indian culture?

A

Amla Rasam is popular during the summer months for its cooling yet warming properties, and it is also prepared during festivals like Navratri when a light, easily digestible meal is preferred. It is also served after large feasts to aid digestion.

cultural
Q

How does Amla Rasam fit into the broader South Indian cuisine tradition?

A

Rasam is a staple in South Indian meals, acting as a flavorful soup that balances the rice and vegetable dishes. Amla Rasam adds the unique sourness of amla, aligning with the regional love for tangy, spice‑laden broths that stimulate the palate and aid digestion.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Amla Rasam versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh amla, moong dal, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and traditional rasam powder. Acceptable substitutes are dried amla powder (used sparingly), brown sugar for jaggery, and ground cumin instead of whole seeds, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

cultural
Q

What other South Indian dishes pair well with Amla Rasam?

A

Amla Rasam pairs beautifully with steamed rice, lemon rice, curd rice, and simple vegetable stir‑fries like beans poriyal. It also complements papadams and a side of mango pickle for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Amla Rasam?

A

Common mistakes include over‑boiling the rasam, which can make the amla taste overly bitter, and under‑seasoning the tempering, which reduces the final aroma. Also, adding too much jaggery can mask the sourness, so balance is key.

technical
Q

Why does this Amla Rasam recipe use a ghee tempering instead of oil?

A

Ghee provides a richer, nutty flavor and a higher smoke point, allowing the mustard and cumin seeds to pop without burning. The clarified butter also adds a glossy finish and traditional authenticity to South Indian rasam.

technical
Q

Can I make Amla Rasam ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the rasam a day in advance. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it thickens.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Rajshri Food specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Rajshri Food specializes in wholesome Indian home‑cooking recipes that focus on healthful, comforting dishes made with everyday ingredients, often highlighting regional flavors and easy‑to‑follow techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Rajshri Food's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Rajshri Food emphasizes nutrition, simplicity, and the use of traditional tempering methods while keeping recipes accessible for beginners. Unlike some channels that focus on elaborate plating, Rajshri Food prioritizes flavor, health benefits, and step‑by‑step clarity.

channel

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