A petite twist from the authentic South Indian Rasam, this Pear Rasam is equally comforting. The sweetness from the pear builds a lovely balance of taste with the tomatoes and the spices that goes in. With a bowl of white steamed rice, this Pear Rasam is utterly comforting!
What is Rasam?
Rasam is a south Indian traditional side dish, prepared almost every other day. It is often referred to a healthy soup that helps in digestion and cools the tummy.
The dish is often prepared with lots of tomatoes cooked in spices and curry leaves. Bot sometimes even lentils can be used to make it more filling.
On peak summer days, I don’t mind enjoying Rasam as a plain light soup and on cold days, I love it piping hot with a bowl of rice.
How is Pear Rasam Different?
Pear Rasam is just an addition of bite size pears in the same tomato based rasam. It adds a mild refreshing sweet taste to the rasam.
I add the pear right at the end, so it adds the taste and remains chunky instead of turning into a mush.
What kind of pear can be used?
Any variety ripe pear that is soft but too soft will work. Don’t discard the peel unless you absolutely want to.
I used bosc and red pears.
Can you make this rasam with dal?
Adding lentil/dal makes the rasam filling and it can be enjoyed not only as a side dish with rice, but also as a soup. Rasam is a great meal for days when you catch cold. Typically, toor daal (Yellow split Pigeon peas) is used to prepare rasam with dal.
The spices help to elevate your tastebud and help you feel better.
If you wish to use lentil for this pear rasam recipe, then add the boiled lentils along with the sliced pears and cook for a while for everything to incorporate and the flavors to blend.
Rasam Powder
You can use store bought rasam powder for a quick fix. But for the best robust flavor, I will highly recommend making a fresh batch at home.
Here is how you make it:
Dry roast toor dal and keep aside. Then to the same pan add the dry red chili and dry roast and take it off. Then in goes coriander seeds, black pepper, cumin seeds, methi (fenugreek seeds).
Once cooled, just grind into a fine powder.
Some even likes to add dry roasted curry leaves to the powder. I avoid that step and instead add a lot of fresh curry leaves while making rasam.
What other ingredients needed to prepare Pear Rasam ?
Apart from Rasam powder, you will need
- Tomatoes
- Pears
- Garlic
- Asafoetida (hing)
- Turmeric
- Black mustard seeds
- tamarind
- Cilantro leaves
- Curry leaves
Once you have the rasam powder ready, making this spicy soup is super easy and quick. Depending on how you want to serve this pear rasam, you can keep the consistency very soupy or concentrated with texture.
Enjoy it with rice or idli or enjoy as soup with some roasted papadum.
Rasam with Pear
A petite twist from the authentic South Indian Rasam, this Pear Rasam is equally comforting. The sweetness from the pear builds a lovely balance of taste with the tomatoes and the spices that goes in. With a bowl of white steamed rice, this Pear Rasam is utterly comforting!
Ingredients
for rasam powder
- 1 tablespoons toor daal
- 1 dry red chili
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon methi (fenugreek seeds)
rest of the ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 3 big size tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 pears, sliced into bite side chunks
- 3 big garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon sugar (helps to enhance the flavor of the spices)
- 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (add more if you prefer it tangier)
- Few fresh curry leaves
- Finely chopped cilantro leaves to add at the end
Instructions
Prepare the rasam powder by dry roasting everything and then
grind into powder.
In a heavy bottom wok or pan, pour the oil. Once the oil
heats up, sprinkle the mustard seeds and curry leaves along with garlic.
Stir around for a few seconds and then add the asafoetida along
with tomatoes. Season with salt and add the turmeric plus sugar.
Cook the tomatoes for 2 minutes then add the rasam powder.
Cook for 5 minutes or until the raw smell is gone. The tomato should cook down and get mushy.
Add water as per your liking and consistency also season with
bit more salt. Scatter the sliced pears along with tamarind paste.
Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Check for salt and add more if needed.
Finally add the finely chopped cilantro leaves and enjoy
pear rasam hot.
Notes
Can you make this rasam with dal?
Adding lentil/dal makes the rasam filling and it can be enjoyed not only as a side dish with rice, but also as a soup. Rasam is a great meal for days when you catch cold. Typically, toor daal (Yellow split Pigeon peas) is used to prepare rasam with dal.
The spices help to elevate your tastebud and help you feel better.
If you wish to use lentil for this pear rasam recipe, then add the boiled lentils along with the sliced pears and cook for a while for everything to incorporate and the flavors to blend.
75 Comments
Jessica
August 6, 2011 at 9:25 PMThank you for introducing us to rasam! This looks like a delicious soup. And the color is so vibrant. Perfect fresh soup for the summer nights!
chinmayie @ love food eat
August 6, 2011 at 9:39 PMVery interesting recipe!Looks so tasty!
Radhika @ foodfor7stages
August 6, 2011 at 9:42 PMThanks for introducing Divya and her blog. I should try this rasam pretty soon.
And I loved your pictures.
Jeno @ Week Nite Meals
August 6, 2011 at 10:05 PMSuch vibrant colors and so many interesting spices, I bet this soup is delicious!
Manu
August 6, 2011 at 11:24 PMHeading over to Divya’s site immediately, but first let me tell you that this is an awesome recipe!!! One I cannot wait to try! And what beatiful pictures Kankana! 🙂
sayantani
August 6, 2011 at 11:24 PMI could have never thought of this combination but looks fantastic…thanks for introducing Divya.
Reem
August 7, 2011 at 12:38 AMSuch a colorful recipe.. I love rasam but adding pears is definitely a wonderful twist. Thanks dear.
Natalie
August 7, 2011 at 1:34 AMThis sounds delicious, I love the idea of the pear in there to sweeten it up, unusual! Thanks for the rasam powder recipe too, I’m going to check out Divya’s blog now…
[email protected]
August 7, 2011 at 2:23 AMThis looks so tasty! Pear and tomato together in a soup…that’s unique!
Aldy @ Al Dente Gourmet
August 7, 2011 at 2:27 AMOh-My-Word…This soup looks deliciously gooooood, Kankana! What a wonderful and interesting combination. Love it! I so wish I could have some of your soup right now 🙂 Thanks for introducing Divya’s site.
Hugs,
Aldy.
Vimitha
August 7, 2011 at 4:21 AMThats a very different one and lovely clicks as usual.
Tiffany
August 7, 2011 at 8:55 AMThis soup looks great! So many awesome spices and I love that it includes tamarind! 😀
Radhika
August 7, 2011 at 9:24 AMPear in Rasam, what an interesting combination!
Pear is often forgotten amidst the rush of summer berries and stone fruits.. Glad to see it in new light kankana and Divya..
Vijitha
August 7, 2011 at 9:51 AMGorgeous looking rasam. Thanks for introducing Divya and her blog.
nisha
August 7, 2011 at 12:04 PMwow seriously? with pear? thats really interesting
Kitchen Belleicious
August 7, 2011 at 12:58 PMThat looks so comforting and warm and inviting and simply delicious! what a great idea and the pictures really express just how good it must be!
Maris (In Good Taste)
August 7, 2011 at 1:01 PMSuch amazing pictures!
Kelly
August 7, 2011 at 4:18 PMThis is so interesting and delicious looking – I don’t combine tomato and pear often but in this soup, coupled with the Indian herbs, it’s the perfect pairing – just love this!
Sandra's Easy Cooking
August 7, 2011 at 4:21 PMWhat a delicious looking soup..never try this before, but sure looks tempting! Amazing photography Kankana!
Manu
August 7, 2011 at 4:36 PMHi again Kankana! I have an award waiting for you! You can collect it here: http://www.manusmenu.com/orange-fennel-and-black-olive-salad <3
Nash at Plateful
August 7, 2011 at 4:56 PMYou must be kidding! Rasam with pears?!! Can’t wait to check out the recipe at Divya’s space, especially after seeing your last picture. Mouthwatering!
German Mama
August 7, 2011 at 5:23 PMThis looks so delicious. I love Indian spices and tomatoes.
Ann
August 7, 2011 at 6:22 PMRasam – It sound amazing! Heading to her site now to check out the recipe…
Satmistha
August 7, 2011 at 7:09 PMI love your blog..such beautiful photos accompanying your dishes , makes everything so very tantalizing
Will try this one out .
Thank you for visiting me today and leaving such a sweet and motivating note…..makes me absolutely super happy:)
Priya Sreeram
August 7, 2011 at 9:52 PMflavourful, yummy n finger licking rasam Kankana – thanks to u , I found a Lovely blog in Flavours Fiesta !
aarthi
August 7, 2011 at 10:04 PMHai Dear
This looks yummy….you have a lovely blog… You have so many wonderful recipes..I have bookmarked you blog and some recipe from that to try..Please check out my blog.I am having a Giveaway in my blog..Please check it out and partcipate in that..
http://www.yummytummyaarthi.com/2011/07/homemade-bounty-chocolate-and-giveaway.html
Aarthi
Mother's Secret Home Recipes
August 7, 2011 at 11:45 PMRasam with Pears….yum yum yum.
Kala
August 8, 2011 at 12:45 AMWonderful series of images. This soup looks so tasty!
elle marie
August 8, 2011 at 1:17 AMWow, look at that sunning shallow DOF, the photos look amazing, of course the dish looks absolutely mouth watering.
Marina
August 8, 2011 at 2:35 AMI will have to ban myself from this page, because I am sooo hungry now 🙂
torviewtoronto
August 8, 2011 at 8:12 AMI just posted rasam too and just saw yours now. This looks fabulous I have never had rasam with pear before very innovative Kankana
Divya
August 8, 2011 at 8:19 AMHi Kankana! Thanks for sharing the recipe on my site! I actually tried it out yesterday and it turned out so well. I couldn’t get enough of it. Yummers :).
Treat and Trick
August 8, 2011 at 8:35 AMSuch a unique combo! Truly delicious….
Soma
August 8, 2011 at 9:13 AMBring it on girl! sounds good… fruity and spicy.
lisaiscooking
August 8, 2011 at 9:31 AMTamarind with tomato sounds so delicious. I wish this were my lunch today!
tigerfish
August 8, 2011 at 12:30 PMI like Rasam too! It’s appetizing due to the spice and tangy flavor. Since you have something on Toor Dal, maybe I can ask if they are the same as yellow split peas? I use these peas for Sambar.
Sissi
August 8, 2011 at 1:01 PMThanks for sharing this wonderful double recipe. I have never heard of rasam powder before! And thanks for making us discover Divya’s blog!
rebecca
August 8, 2011 at 1:20 PMlove this I recently saw a Rasam with cherries, thanks for the kind comment to be honest I am tired, pleased when mum in law gets here to cook for hubby
Kulsum at JourneyKitchen
August 8, 2011 at 1:53 PMOh exactly what Rebecca said I saw cherry rasam by Radhika and now pears. I want these rasams noW!!
Vandya
August 8, 2011 at 1:54 PMSuch an unusual recipe for rasam…I’m really curious to try myself. Love the color..It’s gorgeous.
Champa
August 8, 2011 at 3:02 PMI have made Gojju and sour sauce with pear but never rasam. Pictures are so awesome I want to drink it from the screen.
Nami | Just One Cookbook
August 8, 2011 at 3:56 PMHi Kankana! I just visited Divja’s website for the first time this morning but I missed your guest post! I’m going back again to see your post. I’ve never tried Rasam and now I’m all curious!!
Luv'n Spoonfuls
August 8, 2011 at 8:05 PMWhat a unique flavor combination! I can’t wait to give this a try…the photos are so beautiful, you can almost taste all the flavors!
Sandra's Easy Cooking
August 8, 2011 at 9:07 PMCongrats on top 9!So happy to see you up there!:)
athena
August 8, 2011 at 9:38 PMlove that I’m learning a lot from your blog! this looks amazing… so vibrant. heading over to divya’s blog now!
Jamie @ Wokintime
August 8, 2011 at 10:06 PMThis soup looks amazing! I never used tamarind before, but I’m eager to try.
You’re right, I love Divya’s clean design. Thanks for introducing her to us!
Girish
August 9, 2011 at 12:23 AMInteresting recipe. I love rassam, but with pear. WOW, that should be tasty.
Thanks for visiting my photography blog and replying.
Nami | Just One Cookbook
August 9, 2011 at 12:28 AMCongrats on Top 9 Kankana! This is a beautiful post!
Kim Bee
August 9, 2011 at 1:27 AMCongrats to you on Top 9! Your recipe and picture are outstanding. Love it.
Val
August 9, 2011 at 2:13 AMThis has taken tomato soup to whole new level for me. I love the use of tomatoes and pears and the idea of sweet and spicy. Plus I’m intrigued to make the rasam spice mix 🙂
Silvia
August 9, 2011 at 3:07 AMBut that something so rich and so well presented.
Congratulations on such a good page.
Besos.
Joanne
August 9, 2011 at 4:14 AMWow what a flavorful twist on tomato soup!
leaf (the indolent cook)
August 9, 2011 at 5:19 AMThis looks wonderful. I love the fiery colour, and all those spices must make it so flavoursome.
kitchenarian
August 9, 2011 at 5:36 AMWhat a wonderful combination of flavors and spices. Congratulations on Top 9 today!
Lin Ann
August 9, 2011 at 6:35 AMCongrats on Top 9! It looks and sounds wonderful. You made some very nice changes. And I can just imagine all those amazing flavors.
Allie
August 9, 2011 at 6:51 AMThis recipe looks so amazing and delicious !!
Rosa
August 9, 2011 at 7:11 AMWow, what an incredible combination of ingredients! That soup looks absolutely mouthwatering.
Cheers,
Rosa
Sia
August 9, 2011 at 8:10 AMwhat a lovely ‘fruity’ twist to traditional ‘all time fav’ rasam!
Cheryl and Adam @ pictureperfectmeals.com
August 9, 2011 at 8:44 AMDelicious combination of ingredients. Every time we visit you it’s an education and thanks for introducing us to Divya’s blog. Another fascinating and delicious recipe bringing a smile to our faces, thanks! Congrats on the Top 9, too!
Alyce
August 9, 2011 at 9:17 AMSounds amazing.
Tiffany
August 9, 2011 at 10:01 AMHi Again! Congrats on making Top 9!!! 😀
[email protected]
August 9, 2011 at 12:18 PMYou know, I have never made rasam at home even though I love it..pear is an excellent addition..looks wonderful..send me some! 🙂
sarah
August 9, 2011 at 12:26 PMSo pretty! I’ve never used curry leaves or rasam powder but I’m looking forward to making some of my own- great post!
sally
August 9, 2011 at 6:02 PMThe combination of tomatoes and pears is new to me. I’m sure it is delicious though.
purabi naha
August 9, 2011 at 7:20 PMRasam with pear?!! Girl, that’s really innovative!! This sounds delicious!!
Anita Menon
August 9, 2011 at 7:47 PMI really appreciate this about you. You really push your readers ( esp. me) out of my comfort zone and challenge us to try something absolutely unconventional.
Having grown up on rasam and sambar my whole life, a pear and tomato rasam combination creates a short circuit in my brain.
At the same time, it intrigues me and drags me out of my comfort zone to open my eyes and see that whilst you can keep the tradition part of it alive, it is always great to explore new flavour combination.
The photos are sooo good. Great job.
daksha
August 9, 2011 at 8:36 PMHi! kankana congrats for top 9! Rasam is so good, i like with dosa:) Pears with rasam new for me.
peachkins
August 9, 2011 at 11:16 PMI wish i could try a cup of that soup!
Tes
August 10, 2011 at 5:54 AMWhat a gorgeous soup! and wonderful addition of pear in rasam 🙂
Life is Full
August 10, 2011 at 6:50 AMRasam sounds like something I would want to try, it has a lovely colour too. I love your photograpy!!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
August 10, 2011 at 10:17 AMAahhh! That rasam recipe has me drooling all over my keyboard 😀 Love the twist with pears. Can’t wait to try this recipe during winter!
nancy at good food matters
August 10, 2011 at 11:52 AMbeautiful recipe, and an unusual, yet perfect use for my many garden tomatoes. heading over to Divya’s blog now, thanks for letting us know about her lovely space.
jeanne
August 12, 2011 at 9:39 AMwow. this is so gorgeous! I can’t wait to try it.
mustardseed
August 12, 2011 at 3:47 PMThis is such an innovative recipe. It looks absolutely delicious. Have to make this one!
mjskitchen
March 21, 2021 at 9:34 AMPear and tomato…now that’s I combination I never would have put together. With all the wonderful spices I can only imagine the burst of flavor one would get with every bite. This is one of those soup that will provide a long lasting taste in your mouth.