Spicy Rasam - Best Remedy for Cold

I have been down with cold and fever the last week. Rasam is something that gives instant relief for the cough and cold. It is a natural cure. I could feel the throat clear and my cough gone. It even clears your blocked nose.An instant relief. It is a must try recipe. Just sip it down or enjoy with rice.

I can have rice with just rasam. It was a hit at home. I was so happy to see my younger son enjoying rice with rasam. Now I know what to make when they fuss about having rice. :)

INGREDIENTS

For dry roasting

Dry Red Chilly - 4
Pepper (whole) - 1 tbsp
Garlic - 8 cloves
Cumin Seeds - 1 tbsp


Tomato - 4 medium size
Tamarind - size of a small gooseberry
Water - 1 cup + 1/2 liter
Curry Leaves - 1+ 1 sprigs
Coriander Leaves - 5 stalks
Coconut Oil - 1 tbsp
Mustard - 1/2 tsp
Turmeric - 1/2 tsp
Asafoetida - a pinch
Salt - As required

METHOD

Heat a small kadai or pan. Dry roast in the order given - First the dry red chilly for approx 6 secs, then pepper, garlic and last cumin seeds. Keep stirring till the ingredients are heated and begin to splutter.
Remove and transfer to a dry grinder. Grind it. Keep aside.
In the meantime, cook the tomato along with the tamarind in 1 cup water for 5 minutes.
Remove the tomato and add it to the ground masala. Grind it along with 1 stalk curry leaves and 5 stalks of coriander leaves. Ground it coarse.
Add the ground masala  to the water with the tamarind. Add the remaining water and bring it to boil. Add salt.
Heat a seasoning pan. Add oil. Tip in the mustard and let it splutter. Reduce flame to very low.
Add 1 stalk of  curry leaves, turmeric, asafoetida. Stir well. Add it to the rasam mixture.
Serve hot with rice or in a glass.

Tips:
You can increase the level of pepper by 1/2 tsp if you like it really spicy.
Use ripe tomatoes.