Rasam is a thin, spicy South Indian soup. Often part of a multi-course meal, rasam is usually served alongside a rice dish.
Rasam is similar to other South Asian soups, including sambar, but it's distinct for not only including tomatoes and lentils, but also the distinctly sour flavor of tamarind. This side dish is traditionally made with a variety of spices: turmeric, pepper, garlic, cumin, coriander, and more. The word rasam has a Sanskrit root, rasa, which means "taste, flavor, or juice."