What is Rasam?

Rasam is a South Indian soup known for its tangy and spicy flavor. It is a staple in South Indian cuisine and is often served as a comforting and appetizing soup or alongside rice. Andhra Style Rasam, in particular, is famous for its bold and flavorful taste, featuring a perfect balance of tamarind, Tomato and Spices.

Ingredients: (Serves 4 people)

• 1 medium-size tomato, chopped
• 1 small lemon-sized tamarind ball, soaked in water
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 2-3 dried red chillies
• 7-8 garlic cloves
• 1/4 tablespoon of asafoetida (hing)
• 10-12 curry leaves
• 2 tablespoon black pepper, crushed ( If you prefer spicy else take 1 tea spoon)
• 1/4 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 tablespoon red chilli powder 
• 1/2 tablespoon of coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
• Salt to taste 
• Fresh coriander leaves ( 1 cup)
• Half cut Lemon

Instructions:

Step 1:

Tamarind Extract

• Soak the tamarind (One small lemon sized tamarind ball) in warm water for 15 minutes.
• Extract the tamarind juice ( crush and squeeze the tamarind with hands and filter it to remove the pulp) and set it aside (1 glass)

Step 2:

Rasam Powder

• Add the garlic cloves (7-8), Black Pepper ( 1 table spoon)  and Cumin Seeds (1 table spoon) in the mixer to grind it or use mortar and pestle to crush it 

Step 3:

• Heat oil in a pan (1 table spoon) 
• Add 1/2 tablespoon of mustard seeds
• Add 1/4 tablespoon of asafoetida (hing)
• 1/4 tablespoon of turmeric 
• Add 2-3 dried red chillies
• Add 1 medium sized chopped tomato 
• Let the tomato cook properly

Step 4:

• Now add the Tamarind water to the pan
• Add more water if needed ( as per the required quantity)
• Add the homemade Rasam powder (Which we prepared in step 2)
• Add 1/2 tablespoon of chilli powder 
• Add 1/2 tablespoon of coriander powder
• Add Salt as per taste
• Add coriander leaves ( 1 cup)
• Add 10-12 curry leaves

Step 5:

• Mix everything well and let it cook for 5-7 minutes
• Add half cut lemon juice into it 
• Let it cook for 5- 7 minutes

Step 6:

• Garnish with some coriander leaves (optional)
• Serve it hot as a soup or with rice 

And there you have it – a delicious bowl of Andhra Style Rasam! Enjoy the burst of flavors in every spoonful.