Rasam is a South Indian soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, and spices. It's a tangy, flavorful soup that's perfect for a cold day. This recipe is for a basic rasam, but you can add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes, to make it more substantial.
Rasam is a traditional South Indian soup that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made with a variety of spices, including tamarind, cumin, coriander, and black pepper. The soup is typically served hot and can be enjoyed as a starter or as a main course. Rasam is a healthy and flavorful soup that is easy to make. It is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and can be customized to your own taste preferences.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
¼ cup tamarind paste
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
½ teaspoon red chili powder
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 tablespoon oil
1 large onion, chopped
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine the tamarind paste, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, red chili powder, and turmeric powder with 2 cups of water.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the tamarind paste has softened.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl.
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook until softened.
Add the tamarind mixture to the pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the rasam has thickened.
Season with salt to taste and serve hot.
Why It Works
The tamarind paste gives the rasam its characteristic tangy flavor.
The coriander seeds and cumin seeds add a warm, earthy flavor to the soup.
The black peppercorns add a bit of heat to the soup.
The turmeric powder gives the soup its characteristic yellow color.
The oil helps to bloom the spices and add flavor to the soup.
The onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup.
The simmering process allows the flavors of the spices to meld together and create a harmonious soup.