Rasam

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Ingredients

• 1 cup toor dal
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tamarind juice
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp rasam powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Wash the toor dal and pressure-cook it until soft and mushy.
2. Dice the tomatoes and set aside.
3. Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds. Let them crackle for a few seconds.
4. Add the cumin seeds, black pepper, and turmeric powder, and cook for a minute.
5. Add the diced tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.
6. Pour in the tamarind juice and mix well.
7. Add the rasam powder, salt to taste, and 1 cup water, and mix well.
8. Simmer for 10 minutes until the flavors combine.
9. Add the cooked toor dal and mix well.
10. Simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
11. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with rice.