11 Low-Calorie Indian Meals Ready in Minutes

11. Tomato Rasam with Brown Rice Cakes — Light and Digestive

Rasam is a light, tangy South-Indian broth that pairs well with a small portion of brown rice or quick millet cakes for a filling but low-calorie bowl. Make rasam by simmering ripe tomatoes with tamarind, rasam powder, and a finishing tempering of mustard and curry leaves. Approximate calories: 200–260 kcal per serving when paired with a small rice portion. Rasam is gentle on digestion and fills you up without heavy sauces. To save time, use pre-cooked rice cakes or leftover brown rice. Quick method: blend tomatoes and simmer with spices for 5–8 minutes; temper in 1 tsp oil and add to rasam. Pro tip: increase the rasam-to-rice ratio to lower calories per bowl while keeping satiety. Regional note: Rasam is a simple, comforting dish popular across South India—perfect for light meals and recovery days. Image filename suggestion: tomato-rasam.jpg. Alt text: "Tomato rasam in a bowl with coriander."