Jeera Rasam

Other names - Jeeraga rasam / Cumin seeds rasam

Prep Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 10 min
Serves: 2 to 3

Ingredients

1. Toor dhal - little less than quarter cup
2. Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
3. Cumin powder - 1 tsp
4. Tomato - 1 medium sized
5. Thick tamarind extract - 1/4 cup
6. Green chillies (De seeded) - 2
7. Rasam powder - 2 tsp
8. Salt - 2 tsp
9. Sugar - 1/2 tsp
10. Water - 3/4 cup + 1/2 cup

For seasoning

1. Ghee - 2 tsp
2. Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
3. Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
4. Asafoetida powder - a pinch

For garnishing

1. Cilantro (finely chopped) - 2 tbsp

Method

1. Wash & pressure cook toor dhal along with half cup water, quarter teaspoon turmeric powder and cumin powder.
2. Let the cooker cool down naturally; now open lid & mash cooked dhal with a ladle.
3. Wash & finely chop a tomato.
4. Heat a wok, add tomato chunks, tamarind extract, De seeded green chillies, rasam powder, salt, sugar, water and combine well.
5. Allow the above mixture to boil for about 3 to 4 min in low flame until the raw odor of tamarind disappears.
6. Now add the mashed toor dhal, stir well and heat in low flame until a frothy layer appears on top; switch off gas; do not allow to boil after adding the mashed dhal.
7. Switch off gas, transfer contents to a vessel with a tight fitting lid.
8. Add finely chopped cilantro, stir well & seal with lid.
9. Heat ghee in a tadka ladle, add mustard seeds & let it splutter.
10. Add cumin seeds, asafoetida powder; saute for few sec; switch off gas and add the seasoning to rasam.
11. Stir well; seal tightly with lid and set aside for few min for all the flavors to blend in completely.
12. Serve hot with steamed rice or as a soup.