Usirikaya Charu | Nellikai Rasam | Amla Rasam: A Vitamin C-rich Rasam
Usirikaya Charu is a traditional Andhra rasam made with the Indian Gooseberry or Amla that is rich in Vitamins C, A and E. Called Nellikai Rasam in Tamil, this rasam is a great way to use Amla as a part of regular food.
Equipment
- Grinder
- Heavy-bottomed Vessel (1 litre capacity)
- Ladle
- Knife
Ingredients
- 100 gms Amla, Usirikaya, Nellikai (4 Large Ones)
- 2 tbsp Uncooked Tuvar Dal, Kandi Pappu (or 1/4 Cup Cooked Dal)
- 1/2 tsp Pepper Corns
- 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric
- 2 Cups Water
- Salt to Taste
For Tempering
- 1 tsp Ghee or Oil
- 1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 2 Red Chillies
- 1 Slit Green Chilli
- A Few Curry Leaves
Instructions
Making the Usirikaya Paste
- Cut 100 gms Amla (about 4 large ones) into pieces. Discard the seeds.
- Grind the amla pieces with 1/2 tsp pepper and 1/2 tsp cumin together to a coarse paste. Set aside.
Cooking the Tuvar Dal
- Pressure cook 2 tbsp Tuvar Dal till mashable. This is about 1/4 cup of cooked tuvar dal.
- Mash the dal well and set aside.
Making the Usirikaya Charu
- In a heavy-bottomed vessel, heat 1 tsp ghee or oil.
- Add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add 2 split dry red chillies, 1 slit green chilli, and a few curry leaves.
- Stir-fry for a minute.
- Add the amla paste and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, till the raw Amla taste disappears.
- Add the cooked dal, 1/4 tsp turmeric, and salt. Mix well.
- Add 2 cups of water and mix well.
- Bring the Usirikaya Charu to a boil.
The Final Steps
- Take off the heat.
- Add 1 tbsp chopped coriander.
- Cover and let the Amla Rasam rest for 5 minutes.
Enjoying the Charu
- Serve hot Usirikaya Charu with some steamed rice and papad.
Nutrition
Calories: 60 kcalCarbohydrates: 10 gProtein: 2 gFat: 2 gSaturated Fat: 1 gCholesterol: 3 mgSodium: 52 mgPotassium: 56 mgFiber: 2 gSugar: 1 gVitamin A: 66 IUVitamin C: 151 mgCalcium: 20 mgIron: 1 mg