Kollu Rasam / Spicy Horse Gram Soup ~ Day 61

Horse gram is a high protein, low fat, nutrient rich, ancient legume widely consumed in India. It has plenty of medicinal properties.  It is called Kulthi in Hindi, Ulavulu in Telugu, Hurule in Kannada and Mudhira in Malayam.  This healthy kollu rasam / soup is an excellent remedy for a common cold and cough.  

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 Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Serves: 6 to 8 people

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Ingredients: 

• Kollu / Horse gram dal - 1/4 cup
• Tamarind paste - 2 tsp or 
• Tamarind juice - 1/2 cup (soak a marble sized tamarind in hot water for 10 minutes and squeeze the pulp out and use the juice)
• Tomatoes - 2, chopped
• Garlic - 5 cloves
• Black Peppercorns - 2 tsp
• Cumin seeds - 2 tsp
• Red chilies - 2
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
• Curry leaves - few
• Mustard seeds - 2 tsp
• Ghee / Clarified butter - 1 tsp
• Salt - to taste
• Water - 3 to 4 cups

Method:

1. Clean the horse gram by picking the impurities (there will be some small stones).  Wash and soak the dal in hot water for 2 hours and pressure cook with enough water for 8 to 10 whistles. You can also cook the dal without soaking.  You may have to cook it for some extra whistles.
2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tsp ghee in a small skillet.  Add garlic, peppercorns, cumin seeds, red chilies, and some curry leaves.  Fry for 10 seconds.  Add the tomatoes and turmeric powder.  Cook until soft. Let cool and grind to a smooth paste along with cooked dal and dal water.
3. In a large sauce pan, combine tamarind paste or tamarind juice and 1 cup of water.  Boil for 5 minutes.
4. Add the ground paste, salt and 3 cups of water.  Bring it to a boil and simmer for 7 to 8 minutes. 
5. Heat 1 tsp ghee in a small skillet and splutter mustard seeds and some curry leaves.  Add it to the rasam / soup and mix well. 
6. Serve with hot steamed rice or as a soup.