Easy and Quick Rasam Recipe

Tangy, soupy, herby and spicy - these are the words that come to our mind when we hear the word Rasam. Best referred to as the ‘soup of spices’, this South Indian delicacy not only soothes your taste buds, but it is also the best remedy to heal colds and coughs. The word Rasam can be understood as ‘ras’ or ‘rasa,’ which means essence, extract or juice. It is a staple delicacy of South India that can be consumed like a soup or can be savoured with steaming hot idlis, medu vadas or steamed rice. Moreover, as you move across the South Indian geography, you can readily find different versions of rasam. Easy to prepare and cook, this traditional functional food comprises minimalistic rasam ingredients that eventually make you crave more of it. So, let us read more and explore Rasam. 

Nutritional Value of Rasam 

Rasam is one such delicacy that is not just enjoyed down south but is also loved across other parts of the country. Being a gravy or a curry form makes it easy to consume it in different ways. A vegan and gluten-free dish, the rasam recipe is equally rich in nutritional content. Read more and know about it. 

The following is the nutritional value of 1 serving i.e., 1 bowl of rasam:

Calories: 124 Kcal

Ingredients for making Rasam 

The following are rasam ingredients that will be required for preparing this dish:

Prep Time: 20 mins | Serves: 3 | Cooking Time: 10 mins

Main Ingredients

● 1 lemon or 1 tbsp of seedless tamarind

● 1 cup - hot or warm water 

● 10 to 12 curry leaves 

● 2 cups - water 

● 2 pinch - hing or asafoetida 

● ½ tsp - turmeric Powder 

● 1 tsp - mustard seeds 

● 2 to 3 (dry) - red chilies 

● 2 tbsp - coriander (chopped) 

● 2 tbsp - oil (any)  

● Salt as per taste

For Grounding Spices

● 6 to 7 - garlic (medium-sized)

● 2 tsp - black peppercorns

● 3 tsp - cumin Seeds 

How to Make Rasam?

Now that we have all the rasam ingredients with us, let us read more and know how to make rasam by reading the rasam recipe below. 

Preparing Tamarind Water

The first step towards this easy rasam recipe is preparing the tamarind water. 

Step 1: Take a small bowl and pour warm water into it. 

Step 2: Take tamarind and soak it for 25 to 30 minutes. 

Step 3: After 30 minutes, the tamarind will become soft. Remove the pulp by squeezing it. Thereafter, strain the tamarind and keep the pulp aside. 

Preparing Ground Spices

After the tamarind paste is ready, it’s time to prepare homemade rasam powder. 

Step 1: Take a mixer or a dry grinder. 

Step 2: Add cumin seeds, black peppercorns, and garlic. 

Step 3: Grind it. Ensure to keep the consistency semi-grinded. 

Preparing Rasam

The tamarind paste and ground spices are ready. Thus, it’s time to prepare an easy rasam recipe. 

Step 1: Take a pan and place it on gas. 

Step 2: Now, add some oil and let it heat up. 

Step 3: Add the mustard seeds and let them crackle. 

Step 4: Thereafter, add asafoetida, red chilies and curry leaves and saute it well. Let it cook for a while. Keep the flame on low heat to prevent the spices from burning.

Step 5: Now, add tomatoes and mix them well with the base. 

Step 6: Add the ground spice mixture and saute it well. Add turmeric powder as well. 

Step 7: Keep stirring to prevent the mixture from burning as well as to make it uniform. 

Step 8: Add the tamarind pulp, and water and mix it well. Add salt as per taste. 

Step 9: Now that all the rasam ingredients have been added, it’s time to let it cook and simmer on low heat. Do not cover. 

Step 10: Avoid over-cooking or over-boiling due to the citric properties. 

Step 11: Turn off the flame and garnish it with freshly chopped coriander leaves. 

Step 12: Serve hot. 

Serving Suggestions for Rasam

Rasam is one of the most prepared delicacies in South India. It is known as Chaaru in Telugu and Saaru in Kannada. It is a humble preparation that goes well with different combinations. Rasam can be eaten with steamed rice and vegetable side dishes. It can also be served hot with steamed idlis or medu vada. It can also be consumed like soup.

Pro-tips For Making Rasam Your Tasty

We are hereby providing some tips that will make your rasam tasty and delicious. Read more and know how to make your rasam tasty.

1. To make rasam tasty, you can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter or ghee or clarified butter after the rasam is ready. Make sure it is added when you are serving it hot. 

2. You can use tamarind paste instead of soaking tamarind. Just take 1 tsp of tamarind paste and mix it with warm water. In case, you find it less sour, then you can accordingly adjust the quantity of tamarind paste. 

3. You can add 1 to 2 tbsp of lemon juice to the rasam only if it is less sour. Make sure to add it after switching off the flame i.e., after the rasam finishes the simmering process. 

4. You can make it more nutritious by adding lentils and vegetables. 

Conclusion 

Rasam is a comforting and humble preparation that can be consumed anytime throughout the year. It has a nutritional value, which can be gained only after consuming it regularly. So, this winter, prepare this easy rasam recipe and enjoy it hot with your loved ones. 

FAQs

How can I store the rasam? 

There are two ways in which you can store rasam and savour it later. The first way to do so is by refrigeration. You can store the rasam in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Another way of storing rasam is by freezing it. It can be stored in the freezer for about a month. Do not add dry coriander leaves. Simply heat the required portion and consume it hot. 

Can I add tamarind paste?

Yes, you can use tamarind paste in substitution with raw tamarind. Simply take 1 tsp of tamarind paste and pour it into warm water. Mix it to make it even. 

Is it compulsory to add garlic?

It is not compulsory to add garlic to the rasam. One can prepare it even without adding garlic. But we advise you to add garlic as it is very healthy and nutritious as well as enhances the taste of rasam.

What are the beneficial properties of the rasam?

Rasam is undoubtedly one of the healthiest and most nutritious recipes. It is an anti-inflammatory dish and boosts immunity. It includes those spices and herbs that aid in bringing relief from cold and aids digestion. As a result of these properties, it should be regularly prepared and given especially to kids. It also aids in weight loss and weight management. Consuming rasam regularly removes toxins from the body by increasing body sweat. It also speeds up the metabolism process and produces more urine. The antioxidant properties in rasam aid in keeping the skin youthful and supple. 

Can I use any other substitute for tamarind?

Yes, you can replace tamarind either with lemon or lime. You can also add lime juice or lemon juice in replacement with tamarind. Just ensure to keep a check on the sourness of lemon or lime. Add slowly and keep tasting the rasam. You can then add some more lemon or lime based on your preferred level of sourness. 

What are the key rasam ingredients?

Rasam is a South Indian preparation. There are different variations of preparing rasam. But, some of the most common rasam ingredients are sesame oil, chili pepper, turmeric, garlic, black pepper, tomato, mustard seeds, curry leaves, cumin, sea salt, asafoetida and water. 

What are the alternative names of rasam?

Rasam is an Indian delicacy that is also known as Chaaru, Saathamudhu, Saaru and Chaatambde. It is primarily eaten in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. 

How can rasam be eaten?

Rasam is eaten and relished hot. It can be consumed simply like a soup or can be eaten along with dosa, sambar, medu vada or steam rice. It can be eaten with any other form of rice as well, such as fried rice, tomato rice, lemon rice, etc.