Nourishing Veppampoo Rasam Recipe

This entry by Usha Kumar presents a soothing and flavorful Veppampoo Rasam, ideal for Pathiya Samayal. This traditional recipe is designed to support the health and recovery of postpartum mothers, leveraging the medicinal properties of neem flowers.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup veppampoo (neem flowers) - Sundried
• 2 cups dal stock (pressure cook dal with lots of water and use the stock)
• 4 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 tsp tamarind paste (or to taste)
• 1 tsp rasam powder (or to taste)
• A pinch of turmeric
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp oil (approx.)
• Fresh coriander and curry leaves
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

Method:

1. Prepare the Neem Flowers:

   • Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan. Add the veppampoo (neem flowers) and fry them until they turn dark brown and start smoking, being careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Cook the Base:

   • In a pot, boil the chopped tomatoes with tamarind, turmeric, and salt until the tomatoes are soft and well-cooked.

3. Add Spices and Stock:

   • Add the rasam powder to the tomato mixture and boil for a few more minutes.
   • Pour in the dal stock and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

4. Combine with Neem Flowers:

   • Add the fried veppampoo and fresh curry and coriander leaves to the pot. Simmer on low flame for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Tempering:

   • In a small pan, heat a bit of oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add a pinch of asafoetida.
   • Pour this tempering over the prepared rasam.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the Veppampoo Rasam hot with roasted pappad for a comforting and nourishing meal.

Enjoy this wholesome and healing rasam, perfect for enhancing recovery and health in postpartum mothers.

Pathiya Samayal Contest Entry by Usha Kumar