We Mangalorean Konkanis swear by our temple rasam or Devasthana Saaru as we call it. "Devasthan" means "temple" in English and "Saaru" is the Konkani word for rasam. What is rasam?? Rasam is a spicy, tangy soup that is made with tomatoes and spices. It is usually served as an accompaniment to rice the same way dal is served with rice. People love to drink it too. It is also purported to be the perfect remedy for cough and cold. It not only clears your sinuses but also rekindles your appetite.
So why is Devasthana Saaru so special?? It is because it is almost impossible to recreate the taste of it at home. This rasam is usually served with food at events in the temple. Why is food served at the temple? Well, like anywhere else in the world, food is the greatest motivator. Therefore during big religious events/activities in the temple, lunch/dinner is served afterwards. It also feeds many hungry people. Coming back to the rasam, this particular rasam is always made by freshly roasting and grinding the spices and then making it. A powdered version is never used. That is why this rasam is also called "Vattunu Saaru "which translates to "Ground rasam" or "Arachi rasam" as South Indians call it. The aroma and flavor of this rasam both as it is made and when it is consumed is unlike any other! You have to make it to believe it!
For the longest I used to think that the task of making it was very tedious. But in reality it is not. It is actually quite easy and uses ingredients normally present in your kitchen. Do try it.. You will never buy rasam powder again! This recipe has been kindly shared by my very talented cousin Karuna who is also an excellent cook!
Servings: 6-8
Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 20-25 mins Total time: 25-30 mins
Ingredients:
Coriander seeds: 2 tsp
Cumin seeds/jeera: 1/2 tsp
Chana dal ( split chick peas): 1 tbsp
Urad dal ( split matpe beans): 1 tbsp
Pepper corns: 5-6
Methi/ fenugreek seeds: 4-5
Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves: 1 sprig
Hing/Asofoetida powder: 1/8 tsp
Salt: 1 tsp ( adjust as per taste)
Dried Red chillies: 5-6
Tamarind pulp: 1 tsp
Green chillies: 4-5
Tomatoes: 2 medium sized, chopped
Coriander leaves, chopped: 2 tbsp
Water: 1 Liter
For seasoning:
Coconut oil: 1 tbsp
Mustard seeds: 1 tsp
Curry leaves: 1 sprig
Hing: a pinch ( either powder or paste)
Method:
Take 1 liter water in a pot. Add the chopped tomatoes, green chillies and salt. Bring it to a boil. Continue boiling for 10 mins.
While the above mixture is boiling,
dry roast the coriander seeds, cumin, urad dal, Chana dal, pepper corns, methi, haldi, curry leaves, hing, red chillies. Once cooled add it to the blender. Add tamarind, little water and grind to a paste.
Add this to the pot with boiling water and tomatoes. Continue boiling for 5-10 mins. Turn off the flame. Garnish with curry leaves.
Tempering:
Heat coconut oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds. Once the mustard seeds splutter, add the curry leaves and a pinch of Asofoetida. Turn off the flame. Add this to the above pot.
Serve hot with rice or drink it like a soup!!
Enjoy!
I am bringing this delicious soup to Fiesta Friday #182 so that all our friends can enjoy something very Indian! Angie's cohosts this week are Liz @ spades, spatulas & spoons and Jenny @ Jenny Is Baking.
I am bringing this delicious soup to Fiesta Friday #182 so that all our friends can enjoy something very Indian! Angie's cohosts this week are Liz @ spades, spatulas & spoons and Jenny @ Jenny Is Baking.
Cooking made easy:
Cleaning as you cook reduces the stress of cleaning after a meal. It also ensures that the kitchen is not messy.
Tip for healthy living:
Try to incorporate atleast one vegetarian meal per week or per day whichever is feasible for you. It helps keep the system clean!
