Rasam is a family favourite. This particular variety I learnt from my mother-in-law who in turn learnt it from her mother. Horsegram one of the key ingredients helps relieve cold and cough and reduces weight.
What you need
Horse gram (Kollu) – 2 tbsp
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Dry peas – 2 tbsp
White chickpeas - 2 tbsp
Black Chickpeas – 2 tbsp
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Soya – 2 tbsp
Tamarind, gooseberry sized ball -1
Tomatoes - 2
Coriander leaves – a few
Curry leaves – a few
Salt – as needed
Asafoetida - as needed
For grinding
Coriander seeds – 1 tsp
Cumin seeds - 2 tsp
Pepper - 1 tsp
Red chillies - 3
Coconut, optional – 2 tsp
For the seasoning
Ghee -1 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp
Curry leaves
Coriander
Method
Wash and soak horsegram and other grains overnight. Pressure cook with 2 cups of water for upto 4 or 5 whistles with a pinch of salt. Drain the water and keep it aside for use later.
In a blender, grind pressure-cooked grains to a coarse paste. Set aside.
Fry the ingredients for grinding in a pan with one tbsp oil. Grind.
Soak tamarind in 1/2 cup of water and squeeze out the pulp. In a vessel add the tamarind juice, tomato and water and boil till the smell of the tamarind goes. Then add the ground masala, grains paste and required salt and mix well.
Heat ghee in a pan and add the seasoning. Do not over boil the rasam.
Sprinkle coriander leaves, curry leaves and serve hot with white rice and papad.
Hema Raman works as a career counsellor and educationist. She loves to cook and learn new recipes.