Traditional South Indian dish

Mooligai Rasam is a traditional South Indian dish known for its medicinal properties. It's made using a variety of herbs and spices that are believed to have health benefits. Here's a basic recipe for Mooligai Rasam:

Ingredients:
☞1/2 cup tamarind extract (from lemon-sized tamarind)
☞2 cups water
☞1 medium-sized tomato, chopped
☞1 small piece jaggery (optional, for sweetness)
☞Salt to taste

For Rasam Powder:
☞2 tablespoons coriander seeds
☞1 tablespoon cumin seeds
☞1 tablespoon black pepper
☞1 tablespoon toor dal (pigeon peas)
☞1 teaspoon mustard seeds
☞1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
☞2-3 dried red chilies
☞A few curry leaves

For Tempering (Tadka):
☞1 tablespoon ghee or oil
☞1 teaspoon mustard seeds
☞1 teaspoon cumin seeds
☞A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
☞A few curry leaves

Instructions:
Dry roast all the ingredients listed under "Rasam Powder" until they turn aromatic. Allow them to cool down and then grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Keep aside.
In a pot, add tamarind extract, water, chopped tomato, jaggery, and salt. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the raw smell of tamarind disappears.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of the ground rasam powder to the tamarind water mixture. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference for spiciness.
Let the rasam simmer for another 5-7 minutes until it reaches a soupy consistency.
In a separate small pan, heat ghee or oil for tempering. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until the spices release their aroma.
Pour the tempering over the rasam and mix well. Turn off the heat.
Serve hot Mooligai Rasam as a soup or with steamed rice.
Feel free to adjust the ingredients and spices according to your taste preferences. Mooligai Rasam is not only delicious but also has many health benefits due to the medicinal herbs and spices used in its preparation. Enjoy!