A lot of spices and herbs are infused to bring in the right zest into this incredible rasam, not to mention the vitamins and minerals it contains.
Use the softer stems of the curry leaves. Remove the leaves off and cut the stems into short pieces. Add 1/3 of a medium size onion, diced big. 6 garlic cloves and 6 slices of ginger along with the 2 green chilies. Add 1/2 cup water to help blend.
Next step is to prepare the tamarind water by soaking the 1 tbs (45g) of tamarind block and 1 cup of hot water for few minutes. Then mash them together as much as possible. Use a strainer to drain the water and set that aside as well.
Now let's start to cook! On medium heat use a deep pot to heat 1 or 2 tbs of oil. Add the 10-15 curry leaves, 1/4 of a medium size onion, cut into slices, and the 3 long red dried chilies.
Sauté for few seconds then add 1 tsp of mustard seeds, 2 tsp of cumin powder, 1 and 1/2 tsp fennel seed, 1/3 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/2 tsp of asafoetida.
Mix them all well. Finally, add the 1 tsp of salt and the 1/2 of a small size tomato, cut into big cubes. Mix it well for a minute don't let it burn.
Turn the heat to medium/low. Now it's time to combine the ginger/garlic mixture we did on step one to the pot as well as pour in the tamarind water along with 1-2 cups of water.
Mix them all well, add 1 tsp of black pepper powder and salt if needed. Take off from the stove before it starts to boil.