Kalyana Rasam is that one comforting South Indian classic that tastes like it walked straight out of a traditional Tamil wedding feast. Fragrant, tangy, and full of warmth, this rasam has a special charm that comes from freshly ground spices, juicy tomatoes, and a soothing tamarind base. What makes it stand apart is the wedding-style spice mix—roasted to perfection—that gives a deep, aromatic punch with every sip. The gentle heat of pepper, the earthiness of...

Kalyana Rasam recipe

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Prep Time
10min
Cook Time
15min
Total Time
25min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)
  • small tamarind
    small tamarind
    1
  • warm water
    warm water
    1cup
  • tomatoes (pureed)
    tomatoes (pureed)
    2
  • tomato (crushed)
    tomato (crushed)
    1
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
    1tsp
  • homemade rasam powder
    homemade rasam powder
    2tbsp
  • coconut oil
    coconut oil
    2tsp
  • mustard seeds
    mustard seeds
    1tsp
  • asafoetida
    asafoetida
    1pinch
  • salt
    salt
    1dash
  • curry leaves
    curry leaves
    1sprigs
  • coriander stems (finely chopped)
    coriander stems (finely chopped)
    1bundle

How to make Kalyana Rasam

  1. Step 1

    Soak tamarind in warm water and squeeze thoroughly to make tamarind water.

    Step 1.1: Soak tamarind in warm water and squeeze thoroughly to make tamarind water
  2. Step 2

    Make a puree of two tomatoes and roughly crush one tomato using a mortar and pestle.

    Step 1.1: Make a puree of two tomatoes and roughly crush one tomato using a mortar and pestle
    Step 1.2: Make a puree of two tomatoes and roughly crush one tomato using a mortar and pestle
  3. Step 3

    Heat a pan and add tamarind water, curry leaves, crushed tomato, tomato puree, turmeric powder, and salt. Bring it to a boil.

    Step 1.1: Heat a pan and add tamarind water, curry leaves, crushed tomato, tomato puree, turmeric powder, and salt
  4. Step 4

    Add homemade rasam powder and finely chopped coriander stems. Simmer for another 2 minutes.

    Step 1.1: Add [homemade rasam powder](https://www
    Step 1.2: Add [homemade rasam powder](https://www
  5. Step 5

    Prepare a tadka by heating coconut oil, mustard seeds, and asafoetida. Add the tadka to the rasam.

    Step 1.1: Prepare a tadka by heating coconut oil, mustard seeds, and asafoetida
  6. Step 6

    Serve hot with rice and appalam.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

23.1kcal (1.16%)

Protein

0.5g (0.9%)

Carbs

1.3g (0.47%)

Sugars

0.1g (0.14%)

Healthy Fat

0.3g

Unhealthy Fat

1.6g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Adjust the quantity of rasam powder based on your spice preference.

  2. Adjust the quantity of rasam powder based on your spice preference.

  3. For added aroma, you can roast the curry leaves before adding them to the rasam.

FAQS

  1. Can I use store-bought rasam powder?

    Yes, store-bought rasam powder can be used, but homemade rasam powder provides a more authentic taste.

  2. What can I serve with Kalyana Rasam?

    Kalyana Rasam is best served with steamed rice and appalam or papad.

  3. Can I skip asafoetida?

    Asafoetida adds a unique flavor, but you can skip it if you don't have it or prefer not to use it.

  4. How do I make tamarind water?

    Soak tamarind in warm water for a few minutes and squeeze it thoroughly to extract the juice.

  5. Can I add more vegetables to the rasam?

    Traditionally, rasam is made with minimal ingredients, but you can add vegetables like carrots or drumsticks for variation.

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Ria Ramesh Pai

(@riapai009)

Cooking has always been my way of spreading love and warmth. Through this channel, I share recipes close to my heart—some from childhood memories, some

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