Ammas Restaurent - Philadelphia

Rasam-Recipe for being radiant and resilient

No South Indian meal is complete without Rasam. Rasam is one of the most relished of South Indian dishes. This soup-like dish is tangy in flavor. Rasam is prepared across India, not just in South India and comes in different variations. Innovations and experimentations have given this dish a global recognition, but the importance of rasam lies in its power not only to satisfy the taste buds but also to protect the human body from various health issues.

All about rasam

Rasam is prepared using tamarind juice as the base. It also includes tomatoes, cumin powder, red chillies, pepper and other spices. It is tempered with mustard, urad dal, dried red chili, curry leaves and hing. It has a thin consistency. Rasam is usually eaten with rice and papad or is taken as a spicy soup. In some regions, dal is added to rasam, which further enriches it with the goodness of varieties of lentil.

Types of rasam

‘Tomato Rasam’ is the most relished of all rasams. This rasam is made with tomato pulp along with other spices and tamarind puree. Other types of rasam include Mysore Rasam, Pineapple Rasam, Pepper Cumin Rasam, Garlic Rasam, Drumstick Rasam, Ginger Coriander Rasam, and Dal Rasam. Dal Rasam is considered healthier than all as lentils increase the protein content of the dish.

Rasam as Powerhouse of Minerals

Rasam is a classic example of traditional functional food with all its ingredients medicinally claimed for various ailments. The ingredients that go into making rasam back it up with thiamin, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C and niacin along with minerals such as potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, selenium, copper and magnesium. So, rasam should be included in diet for providing balanced nutrients.

Health benefits of rasam

  1. Prevents constipation

Tamarind is one of the main ingredients of rasam . Tamarind contains non-starch polysaccharides which is rich in dietary fibre . Fibre absorbs water in the intestine and soothes the digestive system and eases the bowel movement.

  1. Effective in weight loss

The strong flavour of rasam is due to the use of white and black pepper. This strong spice ensures smooth metabolism.  It removes all sorts of toxins and is effective in weight loss.

  1. Rejuvenates skin

Use of herbs and spices makes the rasam rich in antioxidants. Rasam contains vitamin C, which further enhances skin health. When consumed regularly, it protects the body against the attack of free radicals and keeps the skin healthy, glowing and young.

  1. Best home remedy for cold and flu

The tangy flavour of rasam cleans out respiratory tract and the curry leaves in it helps deal with flu-like symptoms. Curry leaves, tamarind extract, turmeric powder, red pepper and mustard seeds have been considered a good combo to prevent cold and cough. It is also said to be an excellent recovery food. Patients who have been ill or down with flu are given rasam rice for easy inflow on vitamins and nutrients.

We at Amma South Indian Restaurant prepare rasam with hand-ground spices. Relish our rasam, and be assured of healthy returns!

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