Rasam: Make this tempting recipe in simple steps

Rasam is a traditional South Indian soup that is typically served as a side dish with rice. Moreover, it is a popular dish in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Rasam is made with tamarind, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, which gives it a tangy and spicy flavor. It is a light and refreshing soup that is easy to make and is perfect for any meal.

Ingredients to make rasam:

1 cup of toor dal (split pigeon peas)
3 medium-sized tomatoes
1 small piece of tamarind
2-3 green chilies
1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds
1 teaspoon of coriander seeds
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
2 tablespoons of ghee or oil
A few curry leaves
Salt to taste
1 liter of water

Preparation for rasam:

To begin with, cook the toor dal in a pressure cooker or a pan with enough water until it becomes soft and mushy.
Mash the cooked dal with a spoon or a masher and set it aside.
Soak the tamarind in warm water for 10 minutes and extract the juice.
Finely chop the tomatoes and green chilies.
Dry roast the cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, coriander seeds, and black pepper in a pan until they turn fragrant.
Once they cool down, grind them into a fine powder in a mixer grinder.
Heat ghee or oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds.
When the mustard seeds start spluttering, add the curry leaves and green chilies and fry for a few seconds.
Add the chopped tomatoes and sauté until they become soft and mushy.
Add the tamarind juice, turmeric powder, and salt and mix well.
Add the ground spice powder and mix well.
Add the mashed toor dal and mix well.
Add water to get the desired consistency.
Bring the rasam to a boil and simmer for a few minutes until it becomes fragrant.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice.

Tips:

You can add garlic and ginger to the rasam to enhance its flavor.
You can use rasam powder instead of grinding the spices separately.
In addition, you can add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the tempering to give it a unique flavor.
Moreover, you can adjust the quantity of water according to the desired consistency.
You can also skip adding toor dal to make tomato rasam, which is a variation of this dish.

Rasam is a simple yet delicious soup that is a staple in South Indian cuisine. Also, it is easy to make and can be customized according to one’s taste. Rasam is not only tasty but also healthy as it is made with natural ingredients and is low in calories. Moreover, it is a must-try for anyone who wants to explore the flavors of South India.