Tamarind Rasam/Chinta Chaaru

Chinta Chaaru or Tamarind rasam is a sweet and tangy rice supplement, that is best to include in the menu, either when all the other dishes are heavy or when the lightest or simplest menu is preferred. The chociest food for children as its not very spicy and easy to gulp down.

Preparation time 10 – 15 mins

Serves – 2

Ingredients:-

Tamarind (Chinta pandu) 1 medium sized ball
Jaggery (Bellam ) 1 medium sized cube
Rasam Powder 1 tsp
Ghee 2 tsp
Cumin seeds(Jeera ) 1 tsp
Curry leaves 4-5
Pinch of Asafoetida (Hing/inguva)
Salt to taste
Fresh and finely chopped coriander to garnish.

Method:

Tamarind and Jaggery should be taken in equal proportions and soaked together for 10 minutes.

Add salt to taste and boil on the stove for 2 minutes. Now add a spoon of Rasam powder. Leave to boil for 2 minutes. Switch the stove off.

In a kadai / Pan add 2 tsp ghee.Once hot add cumin seeds , curry leaves, and pinch of asafoetida( hing)

Season the Rasam with the above tempering and garnish with fresh coriander.

Tamrind rasam /chinta chaaru tastes awesome when mixed with rice with a tsp of ghee and crispy papads to munch along.