Milagu Rasam / Pepper Rasam

Preparation time: 15 mins
Makes 3 servings
Cooking time: 3 mins

Ingredients:

Tamrind - 1 lemon sized ball
Peppercorns - 1tbsp
Red Chillies - 4 nos
Cumin Seeds - 1tsp
Rasam powder - 1 tsp
Garlic - 2 pods
Asafoetida - a pinch
Mustard seeds- 1/4 tsp
Water
Salt
Cilantro - 1 handful
Curry Leaves - 1 sprig

Procedure:

1. Soak the tamarind in warm water for 10 mins.Mash and strain it.
2. Grind the peppercorns, 2 redchillies and 3/4 tsp ofcumin seeds in a mortar & pestle or coarsely grind in a mixer. 
3. Also crush the garlic pods & keep it aside.
4. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a kadai and add mustard, 1/4 tsp of cumin seeds, curry leaves and remaining red chillies. 
5. To this add the crushed garlic & ground pepper-cumin mixture. 
6. Saute it for a minute and now add the tamarind water.
7. To this add asafoetida , rasam powder and salt.
8. Water can be added, as required. 
9. Let this mixture boil for just about a minute. Do not let it boil too much, it spoils the taste.
10. Switch off the heat & garnish with chopped cilantro leaves.

Super hot spicy rasam is ready to be served with steamed rice.