"Mooligai Rasam: A Flavorful and Healthy Start to Wellness"

Steps to Make Mooligai / Herbal Rasam

Ingredients

● Main Ingredients:

○ Tamarind

○ Tomato

● Spices:

○ Ginger

○ Garlic

○ Red Chillies

○ Coriander Seeds

○ Pepper

○ Cumin

○ Ajwain

○ Asafoetida

○ Turmeric Powder

● Herbs:

○ Ajwain Leaf

○ Tulasi Leaves

○ Neem Leaves

○ Betel Leaves

○ Coriander Leaves

○ Curry Leaves

○ Thoothuvalai Leaves

● Other Ingredients:

○ Mustard Seeds

○ Salt

○ Gingelly Oil

○ Cane Sugar

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Tamarind Extract

● Soak a lemon-sized ball of tamarind in warm water for 15 minutes.

● Squeeze and extract the juice, discarding the pulp.

● Set it aside.

2. Crush the Spices

● Using a mortar and pestle, coarsely crush ginger, garlic, pepper, cumin, ajwain, and coriander seeds.

3. Grind the Herbs (Optional)

● Finely chop or lightly crush ajwain leaf, tulasi leaves, neem leaves, betel leaves, curry leaves, coriander leaves, and thoothuvalai leaves to release their flavors.

4. Prepare the Base

● Heat 1 tablespoon of gingelly oil in a pan.

● Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

● Add asafoetida and red chillies. Sauté for a few seconds.

5. Add Herbs and Spices

● Add the crushed ginger-garlic-spice mixture to the pan. Sauté until aromatic.

● Add the prepared herbal leaves and sauté for 1–2 minutes to release their aroma.

6. Cook the Rasam

● Add the tamarind extract to the pan.

● Chop the tomato and add it to the mixture. Mash it slightly as it cooks.

● Add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, salt to taste, and a pinch of cane sugar for balance.

7. Simmer

● Let the rasam simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend.

8. Garnish and Serve

● Add fresh coriander leaves as garnish.

● Serve hot with steamed rice or enjoy as a soup.

This herbal rasam is not only delicious but also packed with medicinal properties !