Rasam

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1cupThoor dhal; (yellow lentils)
cupCold water
teaspoonTurmeric
1tablespoonTamarind pulp; seedless
1cupHot water
2tablespoonsVegetable oil
1teaspoonMustard seed
1teaspoonCumin seed
1teaspoonBlack peppercorns; coarsely cracked
¼teaspoonFenugreek seed
1Sprig fresh curry leaves; optional
2Dried red chiles
¼teaspoonAsafetida
1cupChopped tomato
½cupSliced onion
2teaspoonsSalt

Directions

In a medium saucepan, cover the dhal with 2¼ cups of the cold water and stir in the turmeric. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer over low heat until the dhal is tender, about 30 minutes. Using a potato masher, puree the dhal, then transfer to a bowl.

Meanwhile, in a heatproof bowl, soak the tamarind pulp in the hot water until it is thoroughly dissolved, about 10 minutes. Strain the tamarind liquid through a coarse sieve and set aside. Discard the tamarind solids.

In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil. Add the mustard seeds, cumin, peppercorns and fenugreek and cook over moderate heat until the mustard seeds start to pop. Stir in the curry leaves, dried chiles and asafetida.

Add the dhal to the pan along with the tomato, onion, salt, tamarind liquid and the remaining 6 cups of cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Cover the saucepan and simmer the mixture over low heat for 30 minutes.

Stir, then allow the solids to settle. Using a ladle, serve the hot broth in large bowls or mugs.

The pepper broth can be refrigerated for up to 1 day. Reheat before serving.

Per serving: 89 Calories; 7g Fat (71% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 6g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 1088mg Sodium Recipe by: Food & Wine, February 1999 Converted by MM_Buster v2.0l.