Rasam is a traditional South Indian soup that is tangy, flavorful, and often served with rice or enjoyed on its own. Here’s a simple recipe for rasam:
Ingredients:
- – 1 medium-sized tomato, chopped
- – 1 small lemon-sized tamarind, soaked in water
- – 1 tablespoon oil
- – 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- – 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- – 1-2 dry red chilies
- – 10-12 curry leaves
- – 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- – 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- – 1 green chili, slit
- – 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- – Salt to taste
- – Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
For the Rasam Powder:
- 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 1-2 dry red chilies
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
Instructions:
- 1.Prepare the tamarind extract by squeezing the soaked tamarind in water. Strain the liquid and discard the pulp. Set aside.
- 2.Dry roast the ingredients for the rasam powder (coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black pepper, fenugreek seeds, and dry red chilies) in a pan until fragrant. Allow them to cool, then grind them into a fine powder along with turmeric powder. Set aside.
- 3.Heat oil in a saucepan or kadai over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds, dry red chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
- 4.Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chili. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- 5.Add the chopped tomato and cook until it turns soft and mushy.
- 6.Now, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and black pepper powder. Mix well and cook for a minute to release the flavors of the spices.
- 7.Pour in the tamarind extract and add salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for about 5-7 minutes on low heat.
- 8.Stir in the ground rasam powder and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
- 9.Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Conclusion:
Serve the piping hot rasam with steamed rice or enjoy it as a comforting soup on its own. The tanginess from the tamarind, the spiciness from the red chilies, and the blend of aromatic spices make this authentic South Indian rasam a true delight for your taste buds.