KOTHUMBRI RASAM

Kothumbri is coriander seeds. It is called dhaniya in Hindi. As my family is from Udupi, the main item prepared at home would normally be sambhar. There are two kinds of sambhar, one with coconut and the other without coconut. We just add different vegetables for it. In this lockdown, eating those sambhars every day, I was completely bored and so was mom. But my granny (mom’s mom) is a great cook. And in their home, there’s something new, every day. So, this recipe, is from her cookbook. It’s super easy and a perfect mixture of spicy and sour taste.

Nutritional benefits: Coriander is a fragrant, antioxidant-rich herb that has many culinary uses and health benefits.

• Coriander seeds helps in activating some enzymes which lowers the blood sugar level. Hence may help type 2 diabetes patients.

• Coriander is full of antioxidants that demonstrate immune-boosting, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.

• Some studies have shown that coriander seeds lower the heart diseases risk factors such as LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) and cholesterol levels.

• Coriander may reduce unpleasant digestive symptoms like bloating and discomfort. It may also boost appetite among some people.

Ingredients:

· Coriander seeds - 1 Tbsp

· Cumin seeds - 2 tsp

· Red chili - 3-4 in number

· Grated Coconut- ½ cup

· Tamarind juice - 2 tsp

· Salt to taste

· Jaggery – 1 tsp

· Turmeric a pinch

· Coriander leaves for garnishing

For tempering:

· Coconut oil- 1 tsp

· Mustards seeds - ½ tsp

· Cumin seeds – ½ tsp

· Red chili- 1 in number

· Hing - a pinch

Method:

1. Grind, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, red chilies and grated coconut, to form a smooth paste.

2. Keep some water in a vessel to boil.

3. Add this paste to it, along with salt, turmeric, jaggery, tamarind juice and let it boil till it’s a little thick. Bring it down from the heat.

4. Then add the tempering and garnish with coriander leaves.

5. Serve hot with rice and a spoonful of ghee or this rasam also goes well with idli.