Teresa's Recipes
Authentic South Indian Rasam
Experience the vibrant flavors of South India with this traditional Rasam recipe. A tangy, hearty soup, Rasam is brimming with a symphony of spices, making it a delightful treat for your taste buds. Bursting with health benefits, it is often served over rice and is a staple in South Indian cuisine. The dish carries a legacy dating back hundreds of years, making it a vital part of the culinary heritage of the region.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Water
- to taste Salt
- 2 tablespoons, finely chopped Fresh coriander leaves
- 10-12 Curry leaves
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons Rasam powder
- 2, medium-sized, finely chopped Tomatoes
- 1 small lemon-sized ball Tamarind
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 1g
- Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 4g
Instructions
- Soak the tamarind in 1 cup of warm water for 10 minutes. After it's softened, squeeze the tamarind to extract the juice and discard the pulp.
- In a large pot, heat it over medium flame. Add the mustard seeds, when they start to pop and crackle, add the cumin seeds.
- Quickly add the asafoetida and curry leaves, stir for a few seconds to infuse their flavors into the oil.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
- Pour in the tamarind extract, rasam powder, turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the remaining water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Turn off the heat and garnish with the finely chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot over steamed rice or enjoy it as a warming soup.
Tips
- For an extra kick, you can add a whole dried red chili along with the mustard and cumin seeds.
- While rasam powder is available in stores, you can make your own at home for a more authentic taste.