Saturday, October 25, 2008

Shobhaa's Mulagu Rasam (Pepper Rasam or Soup)

When Shobhaa heard that I was suffering a bit with a congested nose, she said this rasam would surely alleviate a lot of the discomfort. But you don't have to wait to have a stuffed nose to enjoy it :). Here is her recipe -- Enjoy this rasam just like the others such as Lemon-Lime or Everyday Rasam - in mugs by itself or mixed with plain soft-cooked rice.

Mulagu Rasam is probably the precursor to Mulligatawny soup! "Mulagu" means black pepper and "tawni which is a corruption of thanni" means water. The simple "pepper water" has taken on a life of its own :)!

Ingredients:

1 ½ tsp Whole Black pepper (mulagu)
3 tsp Cumin seeds (jeera)
½ tsp Turmeric powder
1 ball of tamarind pulp (a small lime size) OR 1 tsp of tamarind concentrate
Salt to taste
2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves (cilantro)

Thalippu/Tadka: ½ tsp cumin seed, 1 sprig curry leaves, and 1 tsp pure Ghee or oil (ghee or oil optional)

Method:

· Soak tamarind for some time (about 5-10 minutes or so) in lukewarm water and extract the juice (3  coffee cups).
· In a pan take the tamarind water and keep it on the stove. When water comes to boil add turmeric and let it boil for 2 minutes.
· Dry sauté (roast) cumin seeds and black pepper till cumin seeds become fragrant and turn a little brownish; cool and powder them
· Add the powdered cumin & pepper powder, and salt; let it boil for 2 minutes on low fire.
· Remove from fire keep it covered.
· Prepare the tadka: Heat the ghee/oil if using, in a small pan with the cumin seeds; when they pop remove from heat and add the curry leaves carefully.
· Add the tadka and the coriander leaves (cilantro) to the rasam and let it sit covered for a few minutes· 
 Mulagu rasam is ready!
Relish the rasam with chutta papadams (roasted papadams).
Enjoy!!


3 comments:

Geetha said...

Thank you Shobhaa for the wonderful recipe! I used the standard 8 oz. measuring cup for the "coffee cup" in the recipe. Wow! The rasam was superb and filled the house with its appetizing aroma that we could hardly wait to eat! Next time I will have to double the recipe. :)

Geetha

Anonymous said...

Great site. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to some friends!

Geetha said...

Thank you for your visit, recommendations and comments. Glad to know that the info here is useful. - G