Pudina rasam, also known as mint leaves rasam, is a Southern Indian style rasam that is truly unique amongst rasam recipes. As a rasam, it is aromatic with very strong flavors that gives it a weirdly refreshing taste that is basically addicting. As far as rasams go, the mint leaves completely transform the taste of a typical rasam. This is why this dish is so interesting; once you master it you will be able to blow the minds of any of your dinner guests.
Health Benefits
Mint is often treated simply as a garnish, rather than a primary ingredient. This is unfortunate, because mint leaves actually have quite a few health benefits. One of the most appreciated benefits of mint leaves is their ability to help with digestion. Eating mint can also be helpful for treating asthma thanks to its soothing effects. And it does wonders for treating the common cold and boosting the immune system as well.
Ingredients
tamarind – gooseberry sized: 20 g
mint leaves : 1 handful
pearl onions : 6
tomato – chopped: 1
cloves garlic: 6
cumin seeds : 1 tsp
whole black peppercorns: 1/2 tsp
mustard seeds: 1 tsp
curry leaves: 1 sprig
red chillies: 3 dry
turmeric powder : 1/4 tsp
asafoetida : 1 pinch
salt to taste
cooking oil: 2 tsp
How To Make Pudina Rasam
- Soak the tamarind in warm water for 15 minutes.
- Extract the juice.
- Crush cumin and pepper seeds using a mortar and pestle.
- Add to the tamarind juice and set aside.
- Add the chopped tomato.
- Mash well into the water.
- Combine the garlic, onion, and mint leaves in a mixer.
- Blend into a coarse mixture.
- Add to the tamarind juice.
- Mix the tamarind juice until all the ingredients are combined homogenously.
- Heat some oil in a heavy bottomed pan at a medium temperature.
- Add mustard seeds and cook until they splutter.
- Add curry leaves and red chillies.
- Sauté for a minute at a low temperature.
- Pour the tamarind mixture into pan with salt to taste, asafoetida, and turmeric powder.
- Stir thoroughly.
- Cook at a low temperature until the mixture turns frothy and begins boiling.
- Switch off the flame and garnish with some mint and coriander leaves.
Trivia
There are about 30 different types of mint. The most common mint you can see in a garden is spearmint.