Rasam, a traditional South Indian dish, is renowned for its tangy and spicy flavors. Often enjoyed as a soup or accompaniment to rice, rasam is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. It’s packed with spices and herbs that can aid digestion and boost immunity. In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple and nutritious rasam recipe that you can easily prepare at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup tamarind pulp
- 1 medium-sized tomato, chopped
- 1/2 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
- 1 tablespoon rasam powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon asafetida (hing)
- 1-2 dried red chilies
- A few curry leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions:
- Cook the Toor Dal:
- Rinse the toor dal thoroughly and cook it in a pressure cooker with 2 cups of water until soft. Mash the cooked dal and set it aside.
- Prepare the Rasam Base:
- In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and asafetida.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and pulpy.
- Stir in the tamarind pulp, turmeric powder, and rasam powder. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked toor dal to the pot. Add water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Let the rasam simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Finish with Seasoning:
- Add curry leaves and salt to taste. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or enjoy it as a soup.
Conclusion
Rasam is a flavorful and nutritious addition to your meal plan. Its blend of spices and herbs makes it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. However, individual dietary needs can vary. For personalized advice tailored to your specific health goals, including weight loss, it’s essential to consult a dietician. For expert guidance on creating a diet plan that supports weight loss, Dietician Natasha Mohan offers tailored solutions to help you achieve your wellness objectives.
