Rasam ( Saru )

Mangalurian's meal starts with rasam. It's the main part of their food system. My mom-in-law makes the best Rasam in the world. She taught me the recipe. It's very easy with a few steps to follow.

• 1/2 Cup Toor Dal ( soak for 10 minutes )
• 4-6 Tomatoes, Cut into Large pieces
• Green Chili's, slit, to taste
• 1/2 Tsp Turmeric Powder
• A piece of Jaggery
• Salt to taste
• 3 Cups Water
• 2 Tbsp Rasam Powder
• Coconut milk 1/4 Cup ( Optional )
• Coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 Tbsp of Ghee
• Few Curry Leaves

Pressure cook the toor dal with little turmeric powder.  In a separate pan, add the tomatoes, green chili's, turmeric powder, jaggery and salt. Now add about 3 Cups of water and let it cook. Cooking process may take about 20 to 30 minutes. Now add the cooked dal and rasam powder to this and let it come to a boil. Add the coconut milk and coriander leaves, now turn off the stove. Add a simple tadka with ghee and just curry leaves. Serve hot with Rice.