Karnataka Style Obbattu Saaru Recipe – Sweet & Spicy Rasam
Dive into the delightful flavors of Karnataka with this unique Obbattu Saaru, a dish that beautifully balances sweetness and spice, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. This recipe showcases a rich blend of tamarind, jaggery, and aromatic spices, promising to transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant kitchens of Karnataka.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tamarind Water | 1 cup |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/4 cup |
| Jaggery | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Seeds (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Poppy Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Coconut (Kopra) | 2 tablespoons |
| Dry Red Chillies | 4 |
| Onion (sliced) | 1 |
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 2 |
| Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Coriander Leaves (chopped) | 2 sprigs |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 180 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Preparation Time
| Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 30 minutes |
| Cooking | 45 minutes |
| Total | 75 minutes |
Servings
| Servings | 4 |
Cuisine
| Cuisine | Karnataka |
Course
| Course | Lunch |
Diet
| Diet | Vegetarian |
Instructions
To begin the enchanting process of creating the Karnataka Style Obbattu Saaru, start by cooking the chana dal. Place the dal in a pressure cooker with 1-1/2 cups of water, ensuring it is well covered. Cook the dal for about 4 to 5 whistles, after which you should turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. Once the cooker is safe to open, drain any excess water from the cooked dal and set it aside. With a fork or a masher, mash the dal into a coarse mixture, setting the stage for the poornam.
In a separate pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Add the jaggery and stir continuously until it completely dissolves into a syrupy consistency. Combine this with the mashed dal, grated coconut, and cardamom powder, mixing well until everything is fully incorporated. Continue to stir the poornam mixture until it thickens and starts to separate from the sides of the pan. Once achieved, remove it from heat and keep it aside to cool.
Next, let’s move on to the Saaru (Rasam) mix. Heat a skillet and dry roast the methi seeds, coriander seeds, ajwain, poppy seeds, and dry coconut until fragrant. Once done, transfer these roasted ingredients to a blender and grind them into a fine powder. Keep this rasam powder handy for the next steps.
In the same skillet, add sunflower oil and fry the curry leaves, sliced onions, and chopped tomatoes. Sauté until the raw aroma dissipates and the vegetables soften. Allow this mixture to cool slightly before blending it together with the previously ground rasam powder into a smooth paste, creating the base of your delicious Saaru.
To bring everything together, take a kadai (deep pan) and pour in 2 cups of water along with the tamarind water. Add the prepared poornam dal mix and bring it all to a gentle boil. After a few moments of bubbling excitement, introduce the rasam spice mixture into the pot and let the Obbattu Saaru simmer on medium heat for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Finally, it’s time to temper the dish. In a small tempering pan, heat a bit more oil, then add mustard seeds and a pinch of asafoetida. Allow the mustard seeds to splutter before pouring this sizzling tempering over the Obbattu Saaru. Garnish generously with chopped coriander leaves, and taste to check if you need to adjust the salt and spices.
Serve your Karnataka Style Obbattu Saaru piping hot, ideally accompanied by steamed rice and a side of Karnataka Style Sorakaya Palya for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the vibrant and wholesome flavors of this traditional dish that reflects the culinary heritage of Karnataka!
