rasam powder
Description
Rasam powder is a spice blend used throughout India, especially the southern states as a flavorant while preparing rasam ( a lentil preparation). Rasam is basically a South Indian soup. It is prepared with tamarind juice or tomato, pepper and other spices. Lentils are added by some along with vegetables.It is eaten with rice or alone, as a soup. In a traditional meal, it follows the sambar course and is followed by curd rice.
It differs from sambar in that it usually relies on tomatoes for its sourness rather than tamarind, and it is usually much more. The availability of ready to use rasam powder makes rasam preparation easier and faster. Some common ingredients in rasam powder are toor dal, red chillies, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, peppercorn dry curry leaves. The powder can be bought from a store or prepared at home. Roast each of the above spices till they turn aromatic.
Powder to a fine powder using a coffee grinder and use as required. This special blend of spice is used in a small quantity at the end of cooking to add a subtle flavour to the cooked lentils. Available in customised qualities as well as packing, the rasam powder helps to recreate the flavours of whole spices without taking the trouble to roast and ground them individually.
How to select
While commercial rasam powder preparations can be bought ready ground, as with all ground spice, they do not keep well and soon lose their aroma. Whole spices, which keep fresh much longer, can be ground when needed using a mortar and pestle or electric coffee grinder. While buying packaged rasam powder, check the expiry date and feel for lumpiness( sign of moisture inside the packet.
Culinary Uses
" Rasm powder is used to prepare a South Indian delicacy caled rasam. The lentils are cooked with the rasam powder, along with salt, sugar, lemon juice, curry leaves, fried mustard seeds and a pinch of asafoetida powder. The curry leaves are added towards the end. Optionally, chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut are also.
" The rasam powder can also be added to curries, vegetable dishes, soups, or stews toward the end of cooking to impart a typical south Indian falvor to the dish.
How to store
While commercial rasam powder preparations can be bought ready ground, as with all ground spice, they do not keep well and soon lose their aroma. Store rasam powder in an airtight container and keep it in a cool dark place.
Health benefits
" Since the rasam powder is added only in small quantities, it does not have substantial health benefits. However the use of peppercorns, cumin and coriander are known to improve digestive complaints and immune functions.