Rasam

Rasam is a traditional South Indian soup, prepared using tamarind juice as a base, with the addition of various spices and herbs. It is eaten with rice or consumed as a soup. In a traditional meal, it is preceded by a sambar rice course and is followed by curd rice. Rasam has a distinct taste in comparison to the sambar due to its own seasoning ingredients and is usually fluid in consistency.

Etymology

The term 'Rasam' is derived from the Tamil word 'Rasam' which means 'juice'. It can refer to any juice, but in South Indian households rasam commonly refers to soup prepared with tamarind or tomato juice with added spices and herbs.

Ingredients

The basic ingredients of Rasam include tamarind juice or tomato juice, black pepper, cumin, coriander, turmeric, asafoetida, mustard seeds, fenugreek, garlic, chili pepper, curry leaves, and cilantro. Some variations of Rasam may also include lentils, pineapple, lemon, or mango.

Varieties

There are many varieties of Rasam, each with its own unique taste and flavor. Some of the popular varieties include:

• Tomato Rasam: This is a tangy and spicy variety of Rasam made with tomatoes as the main ingredient.
• Garlic Rasam: This variety of Rasam is made with a generous amount of garlic, which gives it a strong flavor.
• Pepper Rasam: This is a hot and spicy variety of Rasam made with black pepper as the main ingredient.
• Lemon Rasam: This variety of Rasam is made with lemon juice, giving it a tangy flavor.
• Pineapple Rasam: This is a sweet and tangy variety of Rasam made with pineapple juice.

Health Benefits

Rasam is known for its health benefits. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and is often recommended for those suffering from colds and flu due to its antiviral properties. The spices used in Rasam such as black pepper and cumin are known for their medicinal properties.

See Also

• South Indian cuisine
• Sambar
• Indian cuisine