Amla Rasam Recipe – A Tangy South Indian Delight
Amla Rasam is a wonderfully aromatic, tangy, and flavorful soup from South India that combines the goodness of amla (Indian gooseberry) with a blend of spices. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthy and refreshing dish that’s easy to prepare, packed with vitamin C, and ideal to serve with rice and a variety of side dishes. Let’s dive into this savory delight that will bring a refreshing change to your lunch table.
Ingredients for Amla Rasam
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Amla (Indian Gooseberries) | 6 |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | As per taste |
| Tomato | 1, chopped |
| Ginger | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Mint Leaves | 10-15 leaves |
| Fresh Coriander (Cilantro) | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Green Chilies | 2, slit |
| Cumin Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ghee (Clarified Butter) | 2 teaspoons |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chili | 1, broken into pieces |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Serving Size
- Serves: 4
Cuisine
- Cuisine: South Indian
Course
- Course: Lunch
Diet
- Diet: Vegetarian
How to Make Amla Rasam – Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Amla
To start, take the amla (Indian gooseberries) and place them in a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Cook the amla on low heat until they soften, which should take about 10-12 minutes. Once the amla is soft, drain the water and set the amla aside. You can gently press them with the back of a spoon to extract the juice and pulp. Keep this aside for the rasam base.
Step 2: Prepare the Spices Paste
While the amla is cooking, take a mixer grinder and add the chopped tomato, ginger, mint leaves, fresh coriander, green chilies, cumin seeds, and black pepper powder. Grind all these ingredients together into a smooth paste. Set it aside for later use.
Step 3: Boil the Amla and Spices
In a separate pan, add the cooked amla pulp along with 3 cups of water. Sprinkle in the turmeric powder and bring this mixture to a gentle boil over low heat. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
Step 4: Add Ground Spices and Salt
Once the amla mixture starts boiling, add the ground spice paste you prepared earlier. Also, add salt as per your taste. Mix everything well and let it come to a boil again. Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer for a couple more minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
Step 5: Tempering for Flavor
For the final touch, heat the ghee in a small tempering pan. Once the ghee is hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, break the dry red chili into pieces and add it along with a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Let this tempering cook for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
Step 6: Combine the Tempering with Rasam
Pour the hot tempering mixture into the simmering rasam and give it a good stir. This will infuse the rasam with rich flavors, enhancing its aroma.
Step 7: Serve
Your Amla Rasam is now ready! Serve it hot with steamed rice and a side of Thoran (a vegetable stir-fry like carrot and beans) or Keerai Sambar (spinach lentil stew) for a complete meal. You can also enjoy this rasam as a stand-alone soup, perfect for any time of the day.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice and Thoran: This rasam pairs wonderfully with a simple meal of steamed rice and a stir-fry like Carrot and Beans Thoran. The crunchiness of the vegetables complements the tanginess of the rasam beautifully.
- Keerai Sambar: For a more wholesome and protein-rich meal, serve this rasam with a bowl of Keerai Sambar (a South Indian spinach lentil stew) alongside your rice.
- Crispy Papad: Add a crispy papad or pappadam for an extra crunch and a traditional touch to your meal.
Why You’ll Love Amla Rasam
-
Packed with Vitamin C: Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a powerhouse of Vitamin C, boosting your immune system and offering numerous health benefits. It also aids in digestion, making this rasam an excellent choice for a healthy meal.
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Light and Refreshing: Unlike heavy, creamy soups, this rasam is light on the stomach and perfect for warm afternoons. Its tangy flavor combined with aromatic spices makes it both soothing and satisfying.
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Easy to Make: The preparation is straightforward, and the ingredients are common in most South Indian kitchens. You don’t need any special equipment, just a few basic steps and you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100-120 kcal |
| Protein | 2-3 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 20-25 grams |
| Fiber | 3-4 grams |
| Fat | 4-5 grams |
| Vitamin C | High (from Amla) |
| Iron | 1.5-2 mg |
| Sodium | 200-250 mg |
Health Benefits of Amla Rasam
- Rich in Antioxidants: Amla is known for its high antioxidant content, which helps combat free radicals and promotes overall health.
- Boosts Immunity: The abundance of Vitamin C in amla strengthens the immune system, making this rasam an ideal dish to enjoy during cold weather or flu season.
- Aids Digestion: The combination of ginger, mint, and cumin in the rasam aids digestion, making it a great choice to support a healthy gut.
- Detoxifying: The tangy and spicy nature of the rasam helps detoxify the body, flushing out toxins and improving overall digestion.
Amla Rasam is a delightful and wholesome recipe that combines traditional flavors with the goodness of nature’s bounty. Whether you enjoy it as a soup or pair it with rice, this South Indian dish is a must-try for anyone looking to savor authentic flavors while boosting their health. Give it a try today, and experience the refreshing taste of this nutrient-packed rasam!
