Pepper rasam otherwise also called Milagu rasam in Tamil. A simple, everyday recipe of Tamil cuisine. Made with black peppers and garlic which is believed to have tones of medicinal values. 
Tamil cuisines are of a four-course meal. We eat a portion of rice with dal, followed by sambar. Then rasam will be served and after curd will be served for the rice.
Pepper rasam is not only delicious but also has medicinal values. We make this whenever we feel have any throat irritation, cough or cold. And this recipe is best suited to be served on rainy days.
I sip warm pepper rasam when I have throat congestion and feels every sip makes me feel better by clearing the throat.
Every family has their own rasam recipe, and I’m sharing my family’s recipe here with a small change. Generally, we chop the tomatoes and mash them with the hand while making rasam. But the tomatoes we get here are not like the Indian country tomatoes. Plum tomatoes have thicker flesh and do not blends like the Indian tomatoes. So I grind them along with spices, which is also easier for preparation.
If you are searching for other rasam recipes, you may also check:
Authentic rasam
Pineapple rasam
tomato rasam
Grinding the tomatoes will not change the taste of pepper rasam.
If you are using Roma tomatoes or any other soft pulpy varieties, you may mash them. Add it along with tamarind extract.
Regarding the asafoetida, I always use the solid one. As I feel the asafoetida powder’s flavor and taste does not last longer.
Few tips on how to make pepper rasam:
- Pepper and garlic are the main ingredients in this recipe.
- The taste of the rasam solely depends on the tamarind.
- There are many varieties of Tamarind available in the market, and also varies with their sourness. Adjust the sourness with water and salt. If the tamarind is sour add necessary water and little more salt to balance it.
- Generally, tomatoes will be chopped and added to rasam. But the plum tomatoes are harder to get cooked and will not get blended to rasam. So I use to grind them while making.
- I have added a small tiny bit of asafoedita. If you are using powdered asafoetida, you may substitute with half a teaspoon into this recipe.
How to make Pepper Rasam:
Soak a small lemon sized tamarind in water for about half an hour. Squeeze the pulp and extract. Keep it aside.
In a mixer jar, 3 teaspoons of add black pepper, 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 2-3 garlic cloves, tomatoes. And grind them coarsely, keep it aside.
Heat a teaspoon of cooking oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds followed by urad dal. And then add asafoetida. Allow mustard seeds to splutter.
Now add the ground mixture to the pan and saute for a minute until the mixture becomes thick.
Add tamarind extract. Add 1 teaspoon of salt or as required. Test the sourness of the mixture, If it is too sour add water and salt to balance.
Add turmeric powder and bring the mixture to boil.
Add chopped coriander leaves. When you start seeing bubbles on the surface. Switch off the flame and cover it with the lid.
Serve pepper rasam with white rice along with Chettinad shrimp masala or Madurai chicken curry or Egg thokku.
How to make Pepper rasam
Ingredients
- 1 tamarind small lemon sized
- 3 tsp black peppercorn
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tomato ripen
- 1 tsp cooking oil
- 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp skinless black gram /urad dal
- 1 pinch asafoetida
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves chopped
- 1 tsp salt or as required
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Soak a small lemon sized tamarind in water for about half an hour. Squeeze the pulp and extract. Keep it aside.
- In a mixer jar, aadd black pepper, cumin seeds, garlic cloves, tomatoes. And grind them coarsely, keep it aside.
- Heat a teaspoon of cooing oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds followed by urad dal. And then add asafoetida. Allow mustard seeds to splutter.
- Now add the ground mixture to the pan and saute for a minute until the mixture becomes thick.
- Add tamarind extract. Add salt.
- Add turmeric powder and bring the mixture to boil.
- Add chopped coriander leaves. When you start seeing bubbles on the surface. Switch off the flame and cover it with the lid.
- Serve pepper rasam with white rice.
Nutrition
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