- August 13, 2025
Mysore Rasam Dal Recipe – Authentic South Indian Comfort Food
When you think of South Indian cuisine, two dishes always stand out – sambar recipe and rasam recipe. While sambar is hearty and vegetable-rich, rasam is a light, tangy, and spiced broth that soothes the soul. Among its many variations, the Mysore Rasam Dal Recipe is one of the most beloved. Known for its perfect blend of toor dal, tamarind, rasam spices, and freshly ground coconut masala, this dish represents the culinary richness of Karnataka.
This post will walk you through the authentic Mysore rasam dal recipe, explain its cultural background, share health benefits, and provide detailed step-by-step instructions. Whether you are a beginner learning the simple Mysore rasam recipe or a seasoned cook aiming for hotel-style Mysore rasam, this guide has you covered.
What is Mysore Rasam?
Mysore Rasam (or Mysore style rasam) is a traditional South Indian rasam recipe prepared using toor dal (pigeon pea lentils), tamarind pulp, freshly ground spices, and rasam powder. Unlike the regular rasam recipe with dal, Mysore rasam has a richer flavor because it includes a roasted coconut and spice paste. This gives it a slightly thicker texture compared to the thin tamarind rasam.
In Karnataka, it is called Mysore Rasam Curry or simply Mysore Rasam Authentic Karnataka Style. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, papad, and vegetable stir-fries.
Why You’ll Love This Mysore Rasam Dal Recipe
✅ Authentic Mysore Rasam – made with freshly roasted spices.
✅ Healthy rasam recipe – packed with protein from dal and digestion-aiding spices.
✅ Quick Mysore rasam recipe – ready in under 40 minutes.
✅ Versatile – enjoy it as rasam with rice or as a spicy Mysore rasam soup.
✅ Perfect for all diets – you can even make it as Mysore rasam without rasam powder.
Ingredients for Mysore Rasam Dal Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this traditional Mysore rasam:
For Cooking Dal:
½ cup toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)
2 cups water
¼ tsp turmeric powder
For Tamarind Extract:
1 lemon-sized ball of tamarind (soaked in warm water)
1 ½ cups water
For Rasam Masala Paste:
2 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp black peppercorns
2–3 dry red chilies
2 tbsp fresh coconut (grated)
1 tsp chana dal
1 tsp urad dal
1 tsp oil
Other Ingredients:
1 medium tomato (chopped)
1–2 green chilies (slit)
1 tsp jaggery (optional, for balance)
Salt to taste
For Tempering:
2 tsp ghee (or oil)
½ tsp mustard seeds
1 sprig curry leaves
A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
Step-by-Step Preparation of Mysore Rasam
Step 1: Cook the Toor Dal
Wash ½ cup toor dal thoroughly.
Pressure cook with 2 cups water and ¼ tsp turmeric until soft and mushy.
Mash well and keep aside. This forms the base of the dal rasam recipe.
Step 2: Prepare Tamarind Water
Soak tamarind in warm water for 15 minutes.
Extract juice and strain to remove fibers. This tangy base gives rasam its distinct flavor.
Step 3: Make the Rasam Masala Paste
Heat oil in a pan.
Roast coriander seeds, cumin, peppercorns, chana dal, urad dal, and dry red chilies until golden.
Add fresh grated coconut and roast for another 2 minutes.
Cool and grind to a smooth paste with a little water.
This is the signature step of authentic Mysore rasam recipe.
Step 4: Prepare Rasam Base
In a pot, add tamarind water, chopped tomato, green chilies, salt, and jaggery.
Boil for 5–6 minutes until raw smell disappears.
Step 5: Add Dal and Masala
Stir in the cooked toor dal and freshly ground Mysore rasam masala paste.
Mix well and add water to adjust consistency (rasam is usually thin).
Let it simmer for 7–8 minutes.
Step 6: Tempering
Heat ghee, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and hing.
Pour over rasam. This tempering enhances the flavor of homemade Mysore rasam.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Garnish with fresh coriander.
Serve piping hot with steamed rice, papad, and a vegetable side dish.
Variations of Mysore Rasam
Mysore Rasam Without Rasam Powder – use only freshly ground masala paste.
Hotel Style Mysore Rasam Recipe – add a touch of sambar powder for restaurant-like taste.
Spicy Mysore Rasam – increase the number of red chilies and peppercorns.
Quick Mysore Rasam Recipe – use tamarind paste instead of soaking.
Mysore Rasam Authentic Karnataka Style – always prepare rasam masala with coconut.
Dal Tadka Recipe,Punjabi Dhaba Dal Recipe,Gujarati Dal Recipe,Sookhi Moong Dal Recipe,Toor Dal Fry Recipe
Health Benefits of Mysore Rasam
Protein Rich Rasam Recipe – toor dal provides protein, making it a complete meal.
Digestion Friendly – tamarind, pepper, cumin, and hing aid digestion.
Immunity Boosting – spices like turmeric, pepper, and curry leaves help fight infections.
Light on the stomach – unlike sambar, rasam is thin and easy to digest.
Versatile – can be enjoyed as a rasam soup during colds or fevers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mysore Rasam for Rice with ghee, papad, and vegetable fry.
Drink it as a warm rasam soup in winter.
Pair with idli or dosa for a light meal.
Chef Tips for Perfect Mysore Rasam
Always use freshly ground masala – it makes the rasam aromatic.
Don’t over-boil after adding dal – rasam tastes best when slightly thin.
Use ghee for tempering – enhances the flavor of this traditional south indian rasam.
Add jaggery for balance – Mysore cuisine loves a touch of sweetness.
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between sambar and rasam?
Sambar is thicker, made with lots of vegetables and sambar powder, while rasam recipe south indian style is lighter, tangier, and usually consumed with rice or as soup.
Q2. Can I make Mysore Rasam without coconut?
Yes, but authentic Mysore rasam always includes coconut in its masala paste.
Q3. Is Mysore Rasam good for health?
Absolutely! It’s a healthy rasam recipe packed with protein, digestion-aiding spices, and immunity boosters.
Q4. Can I make it without tamarind?
You can replace tamarind with tomato pulp or lemon juice for a variation.
Interesting Facts
The Mysore Rasam Dal Recipe is a soulful, tangy, and aromatic dish that has stood the test of time. From being a staple in Karnataka homes to featuring in South Indian festive meals, this authentic Mysore rasam is more than just food—it’s comfort in a bowl.
Whether you prepare a quick Mysore rasam recipe for a weekday dinner or a traditional Mysore rasam authentic style for special occasions, it will always win hearts. Pair it with hot rice and ghee, and you’ll experience the essence of South Indian hospitality.
So, the next time you crave something light yet flavorful, skip the heavy curries and make this homemade Mysore rasam recipe – simple, healthy, and timeless!
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