Description

Chettinad Poondu Rasam is a pungent and flavourful garlic-infused soup from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. Known for its digestive properties and robust taste, it's a popular comfort food, especially during cooler weather or when feeling under the weather. This simple yet aromatic rasam is a delightful accompaniment to rice or can be enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

For the Rasam Base

• small lemon sized ball Tamarind
• 3 cups Water (for soaking tamarind and making rasam)
• 1 medium Tomato (finely chopped)
• 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
• Salt (to taste)
• a pinch Asafoetida (Hing)

For the Garlic Paste

• 15-20 Garlic Cloves
• 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Peppercorns

For Tempering (Thalippu)

• 1 tablespoon Ghee or Gingelly Oil
• 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
• 1 sprig Curry Leaves
• 2-3 Dry Red Chillies (broken into half)

For Garnish

• Fresh Coriander Leaves (finely chopped)

Instructions

1. Soak the tamarind in about 1 cup of warm water for 10-15 minutes. Squeeze the pulp and discard the residue. Keep the tamarind extract aside.
2. In a mortar and pestle or a small grinder, crush the garlic cloves, cumin seeds, and black peppercorns into a coarse paste. Do not make a fine paste.
3. In a pot or pan, add the tamarind extract, chopped tomato, turmeric powder, salt, and asafoetida. Add the remaining 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once it boils, reduce the heat and add the prepared garlic, cumin, and pepper paste. Mix well.
5. Simmer the rasam on low heat for about 8-10 minutes, or until the raw smell of tamarind and garlic dissipates. Do not overcook it.
6. In a separate small pan, heat the ghee or oil for tempering. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
7. Add the cumin seeds, dry red chillies, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
8. Pour the tempering mixture over the simmering rasam. Mix gently.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
10. Serve hot with steamed rice or enjoy as a soup.