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Vamu Charu or Omam Rasam is a traditional vegan, gluten-free dish that helps with digestion and even helps soothe the stomach in case of food poisoning.

Vamu Charu | Omam Rasam | Ajwain Rasam

Aruna
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.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Accompaniment, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Andhra, Gluten Free, Indian, South Indian, Tamil Nadu, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings 4 People
Calories 37 kcal
Equipment
  • 1 heavy bottomed vessel (1/2 litre capacity)
  • 1 bowl
  • Ladle
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups
Ingredients
  
  • 1" Ball Tamarind (25 gms; ~ 1 packed tbsp)
  • 1/4 Cup Tomatoes (Finely Chopped)
  • 1/4 tsp Turmeric
  • 400 ml Water
To Grind Together
  • 1.5 tsp Coriander Seeds
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 1.5 tsp Carom Seeds, Vamu, Ajwain, Omam
  • 1-2 Red Chilli
For Tempering
  • 1 tsp Oil
  • 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
  • 1/4 tsp Fenugreek Seeds
  • 1-2 Red Chilli
  • A Few Curry Leaves
Other Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp Coriander (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.
Nutrition
Calories: 37 kcalCarbohydrates: 4 gProtein: 1 gFat: 2 gSaturated Fat: 0.1 gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4 gMonounsaturated Fat: 1 gTrans Fat: 0.01 gSodium: 302 mgPotassium: 121 mgFiber: 2 gSugar: 2 gVitamin A: 331 IUVitamin C: 49 mgCalcium: 23 mgIron: 1 mg
Keyword Charu, Omam Charu, Rasam, Vamu Rasam
Tried this recipe?Do let me know how you liked it @aahaaram or tag #aahaaram!