Vamu Charu is yet another popular variation of rasam from Andhra Pradesh. Called Omam Rasam in Tamil Nadu, this delicious and nutritious rasam that will keep you warm while helping alleviate high blood pressure, improve digestion, combat food poisoning, and aid weight-loss.All you need to enjoy this vegan, gluten-free Ajwain Rasam is some hot rice and papad.
Cuisine Andhra, Gluten Free, Indian, South Indian, Tamil Nadu, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings 4People
Calories 37kcal
Equipment
1 heavy bottomed vessel (1/2 litre capacity)
1 bowl
Ladle
Measuring Spoons and Cups
Ingredients
1"BallTamarind(25 gms; ~ 1 packed tbsp)
1/4CupTomatoes(Finely Chopped)
1/4tspTurmeric
400mlWater
To Grind Together
1.5tspCoriander Seeds
1/2tspCumin Seeds
1.5tspCarom Seeds, Vamu, Ajwain, Omam
1-2Red Chilli
For Tempering
1tspOil
1tspMustard Seeds
1/4tspFenugreek Seeds
1-2Red Chilli
A Few Curry Leaves
Other Ingredients
1tbspCoriander(Finely Chopped)
Salt to Taste
Instructions
Extracting the Tamarind Pulp
Soak a 1" ball of tamarind (1 packed teaspoon) in 1/2 cup warm water for about 5 minutes. Note: I flatten the tamarind to ensure it is completely soaked.
After the tamarind softens, mash with your fingers and squeeze to extract all pulp.
Discard the tamarind and retain the pulp.
Making the Carom Seed-based Rasam Powder
Grind together 1.5 tsp carom seeds (ajwain/vamu/omam), 1.5 tsp coriander seeds, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, and 1-2 red chillies to a fine powder. Set aside.
Making the Vamu Charu
In a heavy-bottomed vessel, heat 1 tsp of oil. I always use sesame oil.
Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds.
Sit-fry till the mustard seeds start to pop.
Add 1 split red chilli and a few curry leaves, and stir-fry for a few seconds.
Now add 1/4 cup finely chopped tomato and some salt.
Stir-fry till the tomato pieces soften.
Next, add 1/4 tsp turmeric and the rasam powder, and mix well.
Now add the tamarind extract and mix well.
Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
Let the Omam Rasam simmer for 5 minutes.
Turn off the heat and add 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm Vamu Charu or Omam Rasam with hot rice, ghee, and papad.