Ingredients for Saarina Pudi (Rasam powder)

Coriander seeds-1 cup

Cumin seeds- 2 tsp

Fenugreek- 1tsp

Pepper corns-¾ tsp

Mustard seeds-½ tsp

Curry leaves- handful

Dry Red chili pieces- 4 cups (adjust the pieces according to the spiciness of the red chillies)

Asafoetida- ¾tsp

Other Ingredients:

Togari bele (Toor dal)-¾ cup

Tamarind or tamarind paste – lemon size or 2 tsp

Jaggery- ½ tsp

Tomato- 1

Curry leaves-3 to 4

Coriander (Cilantro)-2 to 3 strands

Mustard seeds-1 tsp

Asafoetida- ¼ tsp

Turmeric-¼ tsp

Coconut -2 tsp (optional)

Clarified butter (Ghee)-1tbsp

Salt-to taste

Preparation:

Saarina pudi (Rasam powder)

Dry roast all the above ingredients and grind them to fine powder. Store them in air tight container. It will remain fresh for many months. You need 1.5 tsp of this powder for this recipe.

Cut tomato half length-wise. If using tamarind, soak it in water for few minutes. Cook toor dal, tomato and turmeric in a pressure cooker.  In another container add 1/4 cup water, tamarind paste, (or squeeze the tamarind concentrate from tamarind) saarina pudi, jaggery and curry leaves and bring it to a boil. Now add cooked toor dal and tomato.  Add coconut at this point and keep stirring occasionally. Bring it to a boil add chopped coriander at the end.

Heat ghee in a seasoning pan and add mustard seeds. Once it starts spluttering add asafoetida and turn off the heat. Add it to the saaru and mix. Serve with hot rice! Alternately, you can drink it like a soup!