Popu Charu Recipe: A Spiced Tamarind Rasam

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Popu Charu, also known as Tadka Rasam, is a flavorful and tangy South Indian soup-like dish made with tamarind and spices. It’s commonly served as an appetizer or a side dish in a traditional South Indian meal. Here’s how to make Popu Charu:

Ingredients:

For the Tamarind Extract:

  • 1 small lemon-sized ball of tamarind
  • 2 cups hot water

For the Rasam:

  • Tamarind extract (from above)
  • 1 large tomato, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1-2 dried red chilies
  • A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • A sprig of curry leaves
  • 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preparing Tamarind Extract:

  1. Soak the tamarind in hot water for about 20-30 minutes.
  2. Squeeze the soaked tamarind to extract the pulp. Strain and set aside the tamarind extract.

2. Making the Rasam:

  1. Heat oil in a pot or pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  2. Add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds.
  3. Stir in chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Cook until the tomatoes become soft.
  4. Add the tamarind extract, slit green chilies, crushed garlic, and curry leaves. Bring it to a boil.
  5. Add salt to taste and let the rasam simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes.

3. Tempering (Tadka):

  1. In a separate pan, heat a little oil.
  2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  3. Pour this tempering over the rasam and mix well.

4. Serving:

  1. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
  2. Serve Popu Charu hot with steamed rice.

Tips:

  • Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of red chili powder and green chilies.
  • You can add a few torn curry leaves to the tempering for enhanced flavor.

Popu Charu is a comforting and aromatic rasam that’s both tangy and spicy. Enjoy the burst of flavours and the soothing warmth of this traditional South Indian dish!

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