Jeera-Milagu rasam

Rasam contributes to the basic South Indian Meals. It is prepared with different variations making it taste completely different every time.

Tomato Rasam is one of the most famous form of Rasam. It will be served in all the South Indian Functions and Marriages. Jeera-Milagu rasam made from cumin seeds and Pepper is considered to be medicinal and is usually consumed by people suffering from cold and fever. And of course Pineapple rasam for all those of you who love the fruit.These are some variations of the rasam (there are many more ...).

Rasam is healthy and a great digestive aid. Rasam's main ingredients are tomato and tamarind or lemon juice. It is typically served over white rice, but you could drink it as a soup.

Here is the recipe for Jeera-milagu rasam.

Ingredients:
Toor dal/red gram - 1/2 cup
Chopped tomatoes - 1 medium sized
Lemon - 1/2 piece
Coriander leaves - a small bunch
Curry leaves - 3 to 4
Salt
Turmeric - 1/2 tsp

To grind:
Pepper - 3/4 tsp
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp



Seasoning:
Curry leaves - 4
Clarified butter/ ghee - 2 tbsp
Mustard - 2 tsp
Cumin seeds - 2 tsp
Asafoetida/Hing - 1/4 tsp



Method:
Heat a small pan and fry the pepper and cumin seeds till you get a aroma from them. Grind them to a fine powder and keep it aside.
Cook the toor dal and mash it.
Cook the chopped tomatoes adding curry leaves, salt, turmeric powder and enough water. When the tomatoes are cooked, add the mashed dal and the pepper/cumin powder and let it boil for 4-5 mins.
Add lemon juice and adjust salt. Remove from heat
In a seasoning wok/pan add ghee.
When it is hot add mustard seeds. When mustard splutters, add cumin seeds.
Then add hing and curry leaves.
Pour this seasoning to the rasam.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
Serve with rice or drink it as a soup.

Preparation Time: About 20 mins
Serves: 2 people