๐Ÿง„ Garlic Rasam

(Poondu Rasam)

Simple, soothing, and nourishing

Spice Level: ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Serves: 3โ€“4
Calories (approx): 223 kcal

๐Ÿฅ„ Sacred Spoons & Simmered Memories

๐ŸŒฟ Introduction

Garlic Rasam (Milagu Poondu Rasam) is a spicy, tangy, and healing South Indian broth โ€” a comforting soup that soothes the throat and warms the soul. Known for its medicinal properties, this peppery rasam is often served with steamed rice, crispy papad, and pickle โ€” the ultimate cure for rainy or cold days.

โ€œA simple, spiced elixir that makes the spirit wholeโ€ โ€” Author

Garlic Rasam

Photo by Stirred By Spice

๐Ÿ“ Ingredients

For the Rasam Base

  • 1 tsp Jeera (Cumin seeds)

  • 2โ€“3 Green chilies

  • 1 Tomato, cubed

  • ยฝ tsp Somph (Fennel seeds)

  • 1 tsp Black peppercorns

  • 1 tsp Coriander seeds

  • 5โ€“6 Garlic cloves

  • 1 tsp Tamarind paste (Tamico)

  • ยฝ tsp Turmeric powder

  • Salt โ€“ to taste

  • 3 cups Water

For Tempering

  • ยฝ tsp Red chili flakes or 2 Dry red chilies

  • ยฝ tsp Mustard seeds

  • 5โ€“6 Curry leaves

  • 1 tbsp Ghee

  • A pinch Hing (Asafoetida)

For Garnish

  • A few Coriander leaves (Cilantro)

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Instructions

  • Prepare Rasam Base โ€“ Grind peppercorns, cumin, fennel, coriander, and garlic into a coarse powder.

  • Mix Tamarind Base โ€“ Whisk tamarind paste in 1 cup warm water and strain.

  • Simmer Rasam โ€“ Saute green chillies & tomatoes in a teaspoon of oil first.To this, then add spice mix, tamarind water, 2 more cups of water, turmeric, and salt. Bring to a boil and let it foam gently.

  • Tempering Magic โ€“ In a small pan, heat ghee; splutter mustard seeds, add chilies, hing, and curry leaves. Pour over rasam and cover to infuse.

  • Garnish & Serve โ€“ Sprinkle with cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice, papad, and pickle.

๐Ÿท Optional Serving Notes

Extra Ghee: Adding a teaspoon of melted ghee into the serving bowl just before eating

can enhance the taste and potentially reduce the intensity of the spice

๐Ÿ’ฌ Soulful Note

This rasam reminds every South Indian of home โ€” the aroma of pepper and garlic simmering away while monsoon winds lash outside.

๐Ÿ“š Cookโ€™s Wisdom / FAQs

Cook's Wisdom

Tip: For a flavorful garlic rasam, the key is to use freshly crushed spices and to avoid over-boiling the final mixture.

  • No Rasam Powder? No worries โ€” this version is made fresh with ground spices.You can try my homemade rasam powder too.

  • Storage Tip: Keeps 2 days in the fridge; freeze thickened base for easy weekday soup.

  • Pair With: Steamed rice, poriyal, or spicy chicken fry.

๐Ÿ“Š Nutrition (Per Serving โ€” Approx.)

  • Calories 223

  • Protein 5g

  • Carbs 25g

  • Fat 7g

  • Fiber 3g

๐Ÿƒ๐ŸŒถ๐Ÿƒ The Bottom Line

A cup of garlic rasam is like a warm hug โ€” clearing colds, comforting hearts, and celebrating spice in its simplest form.

๐Ÿงก Meet the Heart Behind the Spice

Maya Shetty โ€“ Stirred By Spice Author Photo

Hi, Iโ€™m Maya Shetty โ€” cook, storyteller, and spice lover.

Through Stirred By Spice, I share recipes that warm both the kitchen and the heart โ€” where simple ingredients and warm flavors turn everyday meals into moments of connection.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Iโ€™d Love to Hear From You!

Your words, memories, and reflections mean the world to me.
Share your thoughts using the form below โ€” I read every message.

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