Keto Coconut Rasam

EVENT: FOODIEMONDAY/BLOGHOP

THEME: #213 RASAM RAAGA

I had initially informed my Foodiemonday group friends that I would not be participating for this theme. However, rains and more rains forced me to go into my sister in law’s kitchen as I felt like having something hot to sip on. Hubby suggested soup. I thought let me take this opportunity to make something for the theme and that is rasam. Priya who blogs at The World Through My Eyes, suggested that we try our hands at different kinds of rasam. The only rasam I know is the one made from tuvar dal. I’ve made Mysuru Saaru,which my hubby loves so much. Priya on the other hand such interesting versions of rasams like Long Pepper Rasam (Thippili Rasam), Garlic Rasam (poondu rasam), arachuvitta rasam, made from fresh spices.

What is a Rasam?

Rasam means juice but in South India it refers to a soup. The soup is usually sour and sweet in flavour and may have a bit of lentils added to it. The spices added all depends on the type of rasam. Some vegetables like onion, garlic, tomatoes are added. Rasam can be enjoyed as a soup or even with plain rice. Its not the same as sambhar which is much thicker. The popular rasam was adopted as a popular spicy soup called mulligatawny by the British colonials.

Do all Rasams contain lentil?

Not necessarily. It can be made without lentils. The broth is flavored with spices both dry and fresh. You can have an only pepper rasam, a kokum rasam, ginger rasam or lemon rasam to name a few.

Why include Rasam in your daily diet?

• Prevents constipation. Tamarind which is added to the rasam is rich in fibre and has other health benefits.
• Rasam is rich in vitamins, minerals and other valuable nutrients.
• Helps digestion. Pepper rasam helps secretion of digestive acids. It also  combats flatulence.
• Helps in weight loss. A hot bowlful of rasam before main meals makes the tummy full.
• Rasams without spices is really good for babies who start solid foods.
• Its a valuable broth for pregnant women, as it gives them essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and proteins.
• Rasam is usually what is given to combat colds, coughs, flus and other sicknesses.

With so many health benefits how can one ignore this easy to make soup or broth? Gujaratis prepare a version of rasam called Osaman which is usually served with plain rice or khichdi. The water in which tuvar or moong lentils are cooked is used. Fresh and dry spices are added with kokum.

I decided to make a rasam using coconut milk. Yes you heard right, a rasam with coconut milk. I did not follow any one particular recipe but put together ideas from a couple of them.

This is a keto friendly rasam or broth as no lentils are used.

KETO COCONUT RASAM

Serves 4

1 cup (200ml) thick coconut milk

2 cups water

1 cup hot water

lemon size tamarind (about 2 tbsp)

½ – ¾ tsp salt

½ tsp green chili paste

1 tsp ginger paste

Spice mixture:

1 tsp coriander powder

½ tsp cumin powder

½ tsp red chilli powder

½ tsp pepper powder

¼ tsp turmeric powder

a pinch of asafetida (hing)

For tempering:

1 tbsp ghee

6 -8 fenugreek seeds

1 sprig curry leaves

1-2 dried red chillies

½ tsp cumin seeds

½ tsp mustard seeds

For Garnish:

2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander

1. Soak tamarind in 1 cup of hot water for 30 minutes.
2. Strain the mixture through a sieve mashing the pulp as much as you can to extract the pulp. Use a large serving or table spoon to mash tamarind through the sieve.
3. Mix all the spices that are listed in the spice mixture.
4. Heat ghee in a deep saucepan over medium heat.
5. Add red chilis, fenugreek, mustard and cumin seeds.
6. Add curry leaves and stir for a few seconds.
7. Add the tamarind water.
8. Add the remaining water, salt, spice mixture, ginger and green chilis.
9. Let the mixture become hot and simmer for 5 minutes.
10. Lower the heat. Add coconut milk and keep on stirring till it becomes hot. Do not let it boil otherwise the coconut may curdle.
11. Take the pan off the heat. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve it hot.

Per Serving: 175cals / 16g Total Fat / 2g protein / 2g Total carb / 1g Net Carb

Tips:

• Use rasam powder instead of the spice mixture I’ve used. I didn’t use rasam powder as it usually has lentil powder in it.
• Add garlic if you like.
• Add chopped tomato along with tamarind water if you like.
• For a non keto version you can add cooked lentil water.

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A little request:

If you do try this recipe then please either

• add a comment below,
• send a picture to my email mayuri.ajay.patel62@gmail.com
•  tag me as #mayuri_jikoni on Instagram
• or tag me on Twitter as #Mayuri1962

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