How to Prepare Rasam Without Rasam Powder
Rasam is a traditional South Indian soup that is both flavorful and easy to prepare. While rasam powder is a convenient ingredient that adds depth to the soup, it is not an essential component. In this article, we will guide you on how to prepare rasam without using rasam powder, ensuring that you can still enjoy this delicious soup with ease.
Ingredients
To prepare rasam without rasam powder, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon of chana dal (split chickpeas)
– 1 tablespoon of toor dal (split pigeon peas)
– 1 tablespoon of urad dal (split black gram)
– 1/4 cup of tamarind paste
– 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of asafoetida (hing)
– 2 tablespoons of grated ginger
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon of black mustard seeds
– 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or ghee
– Salt to taste
– Fresh curry leaves
– Water as required
Instructions
1. Rinse the chana dal, toor dal, and urad dal under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the dals in water for about 30 minutes.
2. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked dals, turmeric powder, and 2 cups of water. Cook until the dals are soft and the mixture is thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
3. In a separate pan, heat the coconut oil or ghee. Add the cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and black mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter.
4. Add the asafoetida, garlic, ginger, and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
5. Add the cooked dals and tamarind paste to the pan. Stir well and cook for a few minutes.
6. Add the red chili powder and salt to taste. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
7. Add the water as required to achieve the desired consistency of the soup.
8. Finally, add the fresh curry leaves and let the rasam simmer for another 5 minutes.
9. Turn off the heat and let the rasam cool down slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Rasam is often served with rice and ghee or with appam, a traditional South Indian rice cake. You can also garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves for added flavor.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious rasam without the need for rasam powder. This homemade version allows you to control the flavors and customize the soup to your taste preferences. Happy cooking!
