Paruppu Rasam
South Indian Lentil Soup
Description:
Paruppu Rasam is a comforting and flavorful South Indian lentil-based soup. This rasam is commonly made in South Indian households and can be enjoyed as a soup or served with rice. It can be customized by adding vegetables of your choice, making it both nutritious and versatile. Rich in protein from toor dal (pigeon peas), this dish is perfect for an everyday meal, offering a balance of spices and tangy tamarind flavor.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein, Vegetarian
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup toor dal (pigeon peas), boiled
- 25 grams tamarind, soaked in 1 cup hot water
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 green chili, chopped
- 1 tbsp rasam powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 sprigs curry leaves
- A few sprigs of chopped coriander leaves
- Salt, to taste
For tempering:
- 2 tsp ghee
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- A pinch of asafoetida
- 1 sprig curry leaves
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Cook the Dal:
In a pressure cooker, add the toor dal, turmeric powder, and 2 cups of water. Close the lid and cook for 2 whistles. Let the pressure release naturally, then open the cooker, mix the dal, and set aside. -
Prepare the Rasam Base:
In a saucepan, combine the tamarind paste, 2 cups of water, and salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes, rasam powder, and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes soften, about 5-6 minutes. -
Add Spices:
Stir in the ground cumin seeds and black pepper, then cook for another minute. Add the cooked dal, curry leaves, and chopped coriander leaves. Let the rasam simmer for 3-4 minutes. -
Temper the Rasam:
In a small pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and cook for 20 seconds until they splutter. Add a pinch of asafoetida and curry leaves, and cook for another 30 seconds. Pour this tempering over the rasam and mix well. -
Serve:
Serve the Paruppu Rasam hot, ideally with Beetroot Thoran, rice, and vadam (crispy fried lentil wafers) for a complete South Indian meal.
Enjoy this aromatic and hearty dish, packed with flavor and protein, for a satisfying lunch or dinner!
