Heat 1 tblspn of oil in a kadai. Add in coconut, channa dal, coriander seeds, dry red chilli, pepper and hing. Fry this till golden. Now remove and make it into a smooth paste by adding some water.
Heat 1 tblspn of oil in a kadai. Add in tomatoes and mix well.
Add in the ground masala along with some water.
Pour in tamarind and mix well.Season with some salt. Bring this to a boil.
Add in cooked dal and mix well. Simmer it for 15 mins.
Garnish with cilantro and set this aside for a moment.
Make tempering by heating oil and crackling mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves.
Pour this over the rasam and mix well. Serve with rice.