Tamil Nadu Style Arachuvitta Rasam Recipe
A Rich South Indian Tradition with Aromatic Spices and Tangy Tamarind
Arachuvitta Rasam is a flavorful and aromatic dish from the South Indian cuisine of Tamil Nadu. Known for its rich blend of spices and tangy tamarind base, this rasam brings comfort and warmth, often served with a bowl of steaming rice. It gets its unique flavor from freshly ground spices, which is the essence of its “Arachuvitta” (grinded) nature. This version is simple to make, and with a few essential ingredients, it can transform a regular weeknight dinner into something extraordinary.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tamarind (soaked in warm water) | 20 grams |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Green Chilli (slit) | 1 |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves (torn for garnish) | 2 sprigs |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Ghee | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) | 2-3 teaspoons |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 |
Prep Time
- 10 minutes
Cook Time
- 20 minutes
Total Time
- 30 minutes
Servings
- 2
Cuisine
- South Indian
Course
- Lunch
Diet
- Vegetarian
Instructions
To prepare the Tamil Nadu Style Arachuvitta Rasam, begin by soaking the tamarind in warm water for about 10 minutes. Once soaked, squeeze out the pulp and set it aside to extract the tangy tamarind essence.
In the meantime, rinse the Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) and soak it for 30 minutes to soften it. After soaking, blend the dal along with cumin seeds (jeera) and dry red chilli to a smooth paste. You can use a hand mixer or any grinding tool of your choice to achieve a fine consistency.
Next, heat a wok or kadai over medium heat. Add the prepared tamarind extract, chopped tomatoes, slit green chilli, and turmeric powder to the pan. Pour enough water to cover the ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to cook until the tomatoes become tender and the raw aroma of tamarind disappears, typically for about 10 minutes.
Add the freshly ground toor dal paste to the pot, stirring well to combine. Season the mixture with salt to taste. Let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If the consistency is too thick, add more water until you reach your desired texture. Bring it to a final rolling boil before removing it from heat.
For the tempering, or tadka, heat ghee in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Roughly pound the cumin seeds and black peppercorns using a mortar and pestle, then add them to the pan along with curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Allow the curry leaves to crackle in the hot ghee, then turn off the heat.
Transfer the tempering into the cooked rasam. Stir gently to incorporate the aromatic spices. Finally, garnish the rasam with roughly torn coriander leaves for a fresh, herbal touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Tamil Nadu Style Arachuvitta Rasam hot, accompanied by steamed rice and a side of Carrot Poriyal for a wholesome, delicious meal. For a truly traditional South Indian dinner, consider pairing it with Medu Vada in Sambar (non-fried fritters in tangy lentil curry).
Pro Tip
This rasam can also be enjoyed as a light soup before the main meal or on its own for a comforting snack. The freshly ground spices bring out an unmatched aroma and flavor that perfectly complements the tanginess of the tamarind and the warmth of the spices.
Nutritional Information
While exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, here’s a general estimate per serving:
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Protein: ~5g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fat: ~5g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sodium: ~500mg
Enjoy this authentic Tamil Nadu Style Arachuvitta Rasam recipe as part of a balanced, satisfying meal that highlights the heart and soul of South Indian cuisine. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner gathering, this rasam will bring a burst of flavor and tradition to your dining table!
