Rasam is a light broth made from tamarind and tomato pulp, seasoned with traditional Tamil spices like turmeric, chilli pepper, black pepper, garlic, cumin, curry leaves, mustard, coriander, asafoetida, sea salt, and water. In a few rasam preparations, lentils and vegetables are also added to make a much thicker preparation. It is a traditional staple food that is well-loved and commonly consumed as a soup or a side dish with rice in southern India. All the ingredients used to make rasam have been scientifically proven to have health benefits, and rasam can therefore be consumed when you’re down with a cold or the flu.
The anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing properties of spices in rasam make it a perfect antidote to common flu and cold. The black pepper in rasam especially is known to help reduce symptoms associated with cough and cold and is enriched with vitamin C which helps boost immunity and works as an antibiotic. Black pepper can also help the body lose weight by promoting the removal of toxins, making the body sweat and produce more urine, keeping the metabolism stable.
Rasam is to South India what khichdi is to North India - the go-to food for recovering from illnesses. Whether it’s a cold, flu, cough, or fever you have been suffering from, rasam is the perfect food to provide nutrition and a whole host of health benefits. Rasam’s fluid consistency allows you to ensure that you are hydrated. The vitamin C from various ingredients in rasam including tomatoes helps in additionally boosting your immunity. Adding lentils and vegetables to your rasam recipe can turn it into a complete meal on its own!
Most of the ingredients in rasam, especially tamarind, are rich in antioxidants. Thus, rasam helps protect the body against the attack of free radicals, keeping your skin young, supple, and healthy. Rasam is filled to the brim with essential vitamins and minerals that are ideal for proper nutrition, such as thiamin, niacin, folic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It is also an ideal and delicious source of potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, selenium, copper, and magnesium!
Rasam has also been proven to help control diabetes! The spices and tomatoes used in rasam have properties that help prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. In fact, a small study was done on diabetic people between the ages 30 to 60 who consumed South Indian meals with rasam every day, and it was found that their diabetes was well controlled, with a good reduction in blood sugar levels!
Rasam isn’t just a staple in South Indian homes, it’s a staple at Sangeetha, and very dear to our hearts! A delicious serving of rasam at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant with your rice or vada is the ideal way to begin your day. Fill your stomach and your heart with mouth-watering dishes every time you visit Sangeetha Veg, a multi-cuisine, 100% vegetarian restaurant located across Chennai. Can’t step out of the house? Order online at sangeethavegonline.com for home deliveries across Chennai.