Rasaam

This is my favorite thing to make when ever someone in my family has a cold. It is hot and spicy and really hits the spot when you are feeling under the weather. In some Indian households this is a staple on the table every week. I hope you enjoy this!

Ingredients
tamarind ( golf ball size)
1 medium size tomato
3 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon of split urad dhal
1 tablespoon of fresh cumin powder
1/2 tablespoon of fresh black pepper
4 cups of water
1 dry red chili
pinch of asafetida
1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro

Method of Preparation

1. Soak tamarind and chopped tomato in warm water for about 30 minutes
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in pan and add mustard seed and wait until they splatter
3. Then add cumin seeds and urad dhal and dry red chili
4. Once cumin seeds start to sizzle and urad dhal turns a light brown color add asafetida
5. Add soaked tamarind water and tomato 
6. Add 4 cups of water
7. Add cumin, black pepper powder, salt to taste, and garlic (I used a garlic press)
8. Bring to boil and then lower to medium heat and cook for about 20 minutes
9. Garnish with chopped cilantro

Enjoy with rice.