Spicy Pepper Rasam: The 10-Minute Immunity Booster You Need This Winter

One of the best remedies during the winter or monsoon months is a piping hot bowl of spicy pepper rasam. This traditional South Indian rasam recipe is known for its therapeutic and immunity-boosting properties and is a celebrated dish in many households, especially during the colder months.

The addition of black pepper in the rasam acts as a natural decongestant, helping to clear the nasal passage and reduce cold symptoms. Combined with other healthy ingredients such as garlic and tamarind, it also makes the broth delicious while boosting immunity. 

A Quick Spicy Pepper Rasam Recipe for a Cold Evening

Ingredients

• ½ tablespoon of tamarind 
• 2 teaspoons peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon cumin 
• 4 to 5 medium garlic cloves
• Oil
• ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 dried red chillies
• 2 small tomatoes
• 10 to 12 curry leaves
• Hing or asafoetida
• ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon red chilli powder(Optional)
• Salt for taste

You can search ‘marts near me’ on your smartphone and get all the ingredients from your nearest grocery store. Alternatively, you can also order all the ingredients through an instant delivery app to enjoy home delivery.

Step-by-Step Spicy Pepper Rasam Recipe

1. Take the half tablespoon of tamarind and soak in a one-quarter cup of warm water for up to 30 minutes. 
2. Once the tamarind is well soaked, squeeze it to get the pulp out. Strain and keep aside. 
3. Put peppercorns, cumin seeds and garlic cloves in a mortar and grinder jar to crush the herbs and spices coarsely. 
4. In a pan, heat one tablespoon of oil on a low heat. Then add half a teaspoon of mustard seeds and let them splutter. 
5. Add two dried chillies with their seeds removed and a pinch of asafoetida or hing. Stir and sautée until the chillies turn brown but not burnt. 
6. Add 2 small crushed tomatoes and 10 to 12 curry leaves. Stir until the tomatoes are pulpy and soft. 
7. Add one-quarter teaspoon of turmeric powder and half a teaspoon of chilli powder(optional). Add the prepared spices to this mixture and stir. 
8. Add the prepared tamarind mix and two cups of water, and mix again. 
9. Season it with salt, and let the broth simmer on a low flame until it becomes fragrant.
10. Cook for about 9 to 10 minutes, cover the dish and let it rest for another 5 minutes. 
11. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.

How Does Spicy Pepper Rasam Help in Immunity Boosting? 

Spicy Pepper Rasam is made from a list of healthy ingredients, such as black pepper, garlic, cumin and tamarind. These ingredients not only give the dish a distinct taste but also offer medicinal benefits.

Black pepper contains piperine, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This enhances immune function and alleviates respiratory issues. Garlic has microbial properties that combat infections and support the immune system. 

The addition of cumin seeds to the rasam recipe fastens your metabolism, thereby enhancing your gut health. Tamarind, too, helps with antioxidants, detoxification and stress reduction. 

Conclusion 

The next time you are feeling under the weather or simply craving something comforting, remember this quick and easy rasam recipe. Take out your phone and order all your rasam essentials from a trusted grocery delivery app. 

If instant delivery services are not available at your location, search for “mart near me” to get the required items from a nearby store.