Garlic Rasam

Serves 3

35 mins

91 Kcal

Okay, fam, let's get into garlic rasam a South Indian gem that's equal parts comfort food and flavor bomb. Picture this: a tangy, garlicky, spice-infused broth that's warm, zesty, and practically giving your taste buds a hug. The garlic rasam recipe is the definition of simple but iconic. It starts with a tamarind base for that tangy kick, then comes the star of the show crushed garlic. Add in black pepper, cumin, and a few dried chilies, and boom, you've got a broth that's spicy, earthy, and aromatic. A quick tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves adds that signature rasam flair, making it all kinds of irresistible. Why's garlic rasam a total mood? For starters, it's not just tasty it's a low-key health hero. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting vibes, and the pepper-cumin combo is perfect for clearing your sinuses and kicking colds to the curb. It's basically the OG natural remedy your grandma swears by, but with a flavor upgrade. The best part? You don't need to be a culinary wizard to nail the garlic rasam recipe. It's quick, fuss-free, and endlessly versatile. Pair it with rice for a classic South Indian vibe, sip it straight like a spicy soup, or use it as a dipping broth for crispy papad. Trust us, it's giving main character energy at every meal. So, whether you're craving comfort or chasing bold flavors, garlic rasam has got you. It's spicy, tangy, garlicky goodness that'll warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients required for Garlic Rasam

8-10 garlic
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
2 dry red chilies
1 tbsp tamarind
1 tbsp cooking oil
1/2 tsp urad dal
8-10 curry leaves
1-2 dry red chilli
1 tomato
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 pinch asafoetida
Salt
1-2 tbsp coriander leaves

Cooking steps for Garlic Rasam

1
Garlic rasam is that spicy, tangy, comforting dish you didn't know you needed, and this garlic rasam recipe is here to bring the heat with some seriously comforting vibes.
2
Start by prepping the spice base: dry roast 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 2-3 peeled garlic cloves, and 2 broken and deseeded dry red chilies in a small pan over low heat until fragrant.
3
Cool them slightly, then blitz them in a grinder to a coarse powder—set this flavor bomb aside.
4
Next, make the tamarind pulp by soaking 1 tablespoon seedless tamarind in 1/2 cup warm water for 10 minutes, then squeezing and straining it to extract the tangy juice.
5
Now for the main event! Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or your fave neutral oil) in a pot on medium heat.
6
Toss in 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds and let them crackle like tiny fireworks.
7
Add 1/2 teaspoon urad dal, 8-10 curry leaves, and 1-2 dry red chilies, stirring until the dal turns golden.
8
Throw in 8-10 lightly crushed garlic cloves, with or without peels—your call—and saut until aromatic.
9
Stir in 1 chopped or crushed tomato, ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, and a pinch of asafoetida, cooking until the tomato softens.
10
Pour in the tamarind pulp and 1.5 to 2 cups water, then add salt to taste.
11
Bring the mix to a gentle boil, letting all those bold flavors party together for 5-7 minutes.
12
Sprinkle in the freshly ground spice mix, simmer for another minute, and finish with a handful of chopped coriander leaves for a fresh pop of color and herbaceousness.
13
Serve this recipe of garlic rasam piping hot, with steamed rice or just sipped as a soul-soothing broth, and let those garlic and spice notes work their magic!

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FAQs

What is Garlic Rasam, and what makes it unique?

What are the health benefits of Garlic Rasam?

Garlic Rasam is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Garlic is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help boost immunity and combat colds or flu. The tamarind in the dish aids digestion and provides a rich source of antioxidants. Spices like black pepper and cumin enhance the dish's therapeutic effects by improving metabolism and relieving respiratory issues. As a result, Garlic Rasam is often recommended as a natural remedy for sore throats, coughs, and colds.

How is Garlic Rasam prepared, and can it be customized?

Garlic Rasam is prepared by first saut ing crushed garlic in a bit of oil or ghee to enhance its flavor. Tamarind water is then added, along with spices like black pepper, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. The mixture is simmered to allow the flavors to meld together, and it's usually garnished with fresh coriander leaves. The dish is highly customizable—you can adjust the spice levels to your preference, add lentils for a protein boost, or use jaggery for a hint of sweetness. Some variations even include tomatoes for additional tanginess.