Pudina Rasam Recipe – Mint Leaves Rasam
Pudina Rasam, a delightful South Indian soup from Tamil Nadu, brings together the vibrant flavors of mint leaves, tangy tamarind, and spices to create a refreshing dish that is perfect for any lunch table. This aromatic rasam not only tantalizes the taste buds but also serves as a comforting accompaniment to steamed rice or a hearty vegetable poriyal. Let’s dive into this culinary experience and prepare a dish that encapsulates the essence of Tamil Nadu’s rich cuisine.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tamarind (gooseberry-sized) | 20 grams |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | Handful |
| Pearl Onions (Sambar Onions) | 6 |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (cloves) | 6 |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | ½ teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Dry Red Chillies | 3 |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Salt | As required |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 teaspoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
Servings
| Servings | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Number of Servings | 4 |
Cuisine
| Cuisine | Type |
|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | Vegetarian |
Instructions
To embark on this flavorful journey of making Pudina Rasam, begin by soaking the tamarind in warm water for about 15 minutes, allowing it to soften and release its tangy juice. Once ready, extract the juice and set it aside.
Next, in a mortar and pestle, crush the cumin seeds and black peppercorns until they are finely ground, creating a fragrant blend that will enhance the depth of flavors in your rasam. Incorporate this spice mix into the tamarind juice, stirring gently to combine.
Following this, add the chopped tomato to the tamarind mixture. Using the back of a spoon, mash the tomato well into the liquid to infuse it with flavor.
In a mixer, add the pearl onions, garlic, and a handful of fresh mint leaves, blending them into a coarse mixture. Once blended, add this mixture to the tamarind juice as well, ensuring that all components are thoroughly integrated.
Now, it’s time to prepare the tempering. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium flame. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. As they begin to splutter, toss in the curry leaves and dry red chillies. Sauté this mixture for about a minute on low flame, allowing the spices to release their essential oils.
Pour the prepared tamarind mixture into the pan, adding salt, asafoetida, and turmeric powder. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, and let the rasam simmer on low flame until it becomes frothy and starts to boil, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Once it reaches the desired consistency, switch off the flame. For a final touch, garnish your Pudina Rasam with additional mint leaves and freshly chopped coriander leaves to enhance its presentation and flavor.
Serve your delectable Pudina Rasam hot, accompanied by steamed rice, a refreshing Cabbage and Carrot Poriyal, and crispy pappadam for a wholesome midday meal that delights the palate and nourishes the soul. This comforting rasam not only warms the heart but also showcases the culinary richness of Tamil Nadu’s traditional cuisine, inviting everyone to enjoy its bold flavors and aromatic goodness.
Enjoy Your Meal!
Pudina Rasam is more than just a dish; it’s an experience steeped in culture, flavor, and the love of cooking. The bright, zesty flavors of mint combined with the comforting spices will surely make this recipe a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!
