Authentic Tamil Nadu Chettinad Poondu Rasam with Warm Steamed Ponni Rice
A fiery and aromatic traditional South Indian soup packed with roasted garlic, tamarind, and freshly ground black pepper. This soul-warming broth is traditionally poured generously over fluffy steamed rice for a comforting meal.
35min
Total Time
4
Servings
Tamil Nadu
Cuisine
Recipe
1
Coarsely grind black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and dry red chilies using a mortar and pestle.
2
Heat sesame oil in a heavy-bottomed vessel and splutter the mustard seeds.
3
Add asafoetida, curry leaves, and the crushed garlic cloves, sautéing until golden and fragrant.
4
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften completely.
5
Pour in the extracted tamarind water along with turmeric powder and salt, letting it simmer until the raw smell disappears.
6
Add the freshly ground pepper-cumin powder and three cups of water, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil before turning off the heat.
7
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve piping hot over steamed Ponni rice.
Ingredients
20 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed
2 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
1 lemon-sized ball of tamarind, soaked in warm water and extracted
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
2 dry red chilies
1 sprig fresh curry leaves
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Salt to taste
3 cups water
*This AI-generated recipe may contain inaccuracies.