Description
A spicy South Indian soup made with tamarind and various spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns (kali mirch)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 whole dry red chilies (stalks removed)
- 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
- 3 cups water (divided)
- ½ cup peeled and cubed beetroot
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons tamarind pulp
- 2–3 smashed peeled garlic cloves
- 10–12 whole curry leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (fresh coriander leaves)
- 1 tablespoon oil (or ghee)
- ½ teaspoon brown mustard seeds
- ¼ teaspoon asafetida (hing) (skip for gluten-free)
- 1 dry red chili (broken into small pieces)
Instructions
- Dry roast peppercorns, cumin seeds, dry red chilies, and coriander seeds over medium heat until slightly browned and fragrant (3-4 minutes).
- Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the roasted ingredients to a mortar and pestle.
- Crush to make a coarse rasam powder.
- Heat 1 cup water in a pan over medium heat.
- Add beetroot and tomatoes to the pan and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the ingredients cool down to room temperature.
- Transfer the cooked beetroot and tomatoes along with the water to a blender and blend to make a coarse puree.
- Add the puree, tamarind pulp, garlic, and curry leaves to a pan.
- Add 2 cups of water and stir well.
- Cook the rasam on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes.
- Now add the rasam powder that you made earlier and salt and mix well. Cook until rasam comes to a gentle boil.
- Add cilantro and mix well.
- Heat ghee or oil in a small pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the ghee is hot, add mustard seeds, asafetida, and dry red chili and let them crackle for 4-5 seconds.
- Pour the tempering over the rasam and mix well.
- Check for salt and add more if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- This rasam can be served with rice or enjoyed as a soup.
- Adjust spice levels according to personal preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup