Nellikai Rasam | Whole Gooseberry Rasam | Amla Rasam | Gooseberry Soopa | How to make Nellikai Rasam at home | Stepwise Pictures

Hi Supermoms,

'Rasam' is the South Indian traditional Soopa/Soup that is filled with the necessary vitamins and anti-oxidants to fight the pollutants in the environment and also soothes various minor ailments. It is a comfort food that is tasty, and helps build our immunity. Having said that, today's rasam recipe has the goodness of 'Gooseberry/Amla/Nellikai' that is believed to be the 'fruit of life'. It is a jade-green tart fruit and is ubiquitous in India. 

Considering the health benefits of Amla, it is most ideal to add it to our diet on a regular basis. Making Amla as Rasam is an excellent way to enjoy this fruit. 

Nellikai Rasam | Gooseberry Rasam :

Preparation time : 5 minutes

Cooking time : 25 minutes

Serves : 6

Special vessel/Equipment : Mixer, Iron ladle ( preferable), medium size vessel

1 cup = 250 ml cup

Ingredients :

6 Nellikai /Amla/ Gooseberry

1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

salt to taste

For the Spice Paste:

1 large tomato

1" fresh ginger

10-15 pudina/mint leaves

1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves

2 green chillies ( adjust according to the heat of the chillies)

1 teaspoon cumin seeds/jeera

1/2 teaspoon pepper

For tempering:

2 teaspoons Ghee

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

1 dry red chilli (tear into 2 pieces)

pinch of asafoetida 

Method :

1. In two cups of water, boil the whole nellikai/amla over low flame. Set it aside .

Tip: Boil the amlas over the gas top so that the amlas remain whole.

2. Grind the ingredients given under 'spice paste' to a smooth paste .

3. Add 3 cups of water over the boiled amla, add turmeric and keep the vessel back on the stove over low/medium flame.

4. Add the spice paste , salt , taste and adjust the water quantity. 

Tip: Do not boil the rasam too much after adding the spice paste . 

5. Let the rasam simmer till it froths up. Switch off.

6. Heat ghee in a ladle over low flame, add the mustard seeds.

7. When they splutter, add the dry red chillies, asafoetida and switch off.

8. Pour this into the rasam and mix.

Nellikai Rasam is ready ! Enjoy it as a soup or mix it with rice . It is just delicious. 

Happy Cooking!

With love,

Masterchefmom