Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     1/4  cup           toor dal
     1/4  cup           masoor dal
   1      16 oz. can    tomatoes -- or 4 large tomatoes
     1/2  teaspoon      tamarind extract
     1/2  teaspoon      black pepper powder
     1/2  teaspoon      saunf -- (anise)
   2      whole         red pepper -- (dry red chile)3
     1/2  teaspoon      chile powder
     1/2  teaspoon      turmeric powder
     1/2  teaspoon      hing powder
     1/2  teaspoon      methi seeds
   3                    garlic cloves
   1      teaspoon      cumin seeds
     1/2  teaspoon      mustard seeds
   1      bunch         coriander
   8                    curry leaves
                        salt to taste

Preparation:

Cook the dal well with sufficient water. Add the tomatoes, salt, chile powder, turmeric powder and tamarind extract. Crush the cumin and garlic and add to the Rasam with the black pepper. Simmer for a few minutes and add the hing powder. Heat a little oil in a fry pan and pop the mustard seeds. Add the methi seeds, saunf and curry leaves after removing the heat source and add to the rasam. Garnish with coriander leaves. Source: Maya Nair