As a connoisseur of South Indian cuisine, I am delighted to share the recipe for Rasam, a quintessential dish that is not only soul-warming but also embodies the tradition and flavors of Southern India.
Imagine a spicy, tangy broth that soothes your soul and awakens your taste buds with every sip. Rasam, often referred to as ‘Indian soup,’ is a spicy and tangy broth made from tomatoes, tamarind, and a medley of spices. This dish is renowned for its health benefits and is a staple in South Indian meals, often served with rice or as a soup.
Primary Ingredients:
- 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup tamarind extract
- 2 tbsp rasam powder
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
- For the tempering:
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- A sprig of curry leaves
- 2 dry red chilies
- 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
- 2 tsp ghee (clarified butter)
Preparation Instructions:
- Boil the chopped tomatoes with tamarind extract, turmeric, salt, and 2 cups of water until the tomatoes are soft.
- Add the rasam powder and crushed garlic to the boiling mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate pan, heat ghee, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dry red chilies, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Let them splutter.
- Add this tempering to the rasam mixture and simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice or as a soup.
Nutrition Information:
Rasam is a low-calorie dish rich in vitamins and antioxidants from tomatoes and spices. It aids in digestion and is comforting during colds. A single serving contains about 35 calories.
Conclusion:
This Rasam recipe is a true representation of the simplicity and elegance of South Indian cuisine. It’s a dish that warms the heart and is perfect for any day, whether as a comforting soup or a side with rice.
