They say ‘Necessity is the mother of invention’. So true! We ran out of our cooking gas yesterday morning and yet to get our replacement cylinder from the supplier. It was nearing lunch time, and our stomachs were starting to growl. The hubby said no eating out or ordering a takeaway either. Bah! I gave him a resigned sigh and set out to do whatever best I could to fix us a meal. Just as I was pondering over what to make, I realized that the recipe book that came along with my microwave oven was sitting in the bookshelf, gathering dust. I thought it was time I put it to some use. Since the hubby was complaining of signs of the flu last night, I din’t find it hard to pick this rasam from among the other nice recipes the book seemed to have, wondering at the same time, why I hadn’t looked up this book before now! Though I put the microwave to good use, considering the occasional baked goodie and the regular heating/re-heating of food, I had never really cooked something completely in the microwave before this one. Another easy-peasy one for you all.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes – 6-8 nos (medium-sized; cleaned and diced)
- Curry leaves – a sprig, finely chopped
- Coriander/Cilantro – a handful, finely chopped
- Tamarind Pulp – 4 tbsps
- Rasam powder – 1 tbsp (I know a lot of you have requested for the Iyer style Rasam powder proportion, promise to post it soon)
- Jeera-pepper powder – 2 tsp (freshly pound; yeah, go ahead and use some store-bought powder, it just won’t taste the same)
- Salt – to taste
- Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
- Asafoetida – a pinch
- Ghee – 1 tsp
- Water – 3 cups
(Note: My Microwave sets to 900W on high. Do give yours a check before you decide on the durations of cooking and slightly alter cooking times if needed).
Procedure:
- Transfer the diced tomatoes to a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1/2 cup water and cover with a cling film. Gently make some holes on the cling film with a fork to allow for air vents. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Remove from microwave, allow to cool and blend to a smooth puree in the mixer.
- In the meanwhile, micro the ghee in a larger microwave container on high power for 30 seconds.
- Remove and add the asafoetida, mustard seeds and curry leaves. Micro on high for 2 minutes.
- Add the tomato puree, tamarind pulp, rasam powder, jeera-pepper powder, remaining water, salt and coriander leaves. Give it a stir and micro on high for 5-6 minutes. Allow to stand 2 minutes.
- Remove and serve hot with rice. Slurrrrrpppp!!
Isn’t it perfect for those lazy days? 😉 Tastes great with some mor-mizhagais/balakkas.
Also, a perfect Indian soup for when you sense the flu hovering over you.
cookcurrynook.wordpress.com 
Never tried many dishes in microwave..just used as re-heating and pre-cooking.. !! You are inspiring me to try one 🙂
Same here Gomathy…this was my first. You should try it when you’re feeling lazy sometime. I’ve heard microwave cooking on a regular basis is not good in the long run, hence don’t try it much. But I guess once in a while is fine 🙂
Let me know if you liked the rasam, if you get a chance to make it.
Hey I can almost smell the rasam.. wow! Wonderful color too. what variety of chilli powder do you use?
Thanks Suma! Unfortunately, the steam escaped the camera this time…tch!
I’ve used both Salem and Byadgi chillies for my Rasam powder. I guess thats where the colour comes from 🙂 I dont use any additional chilly powder for Rasams. Do you?
Loved the colour of the rasam very much
ummmmmmmmm.. looks yummy ! You also managed to do the tempering.. gooooood !
Woww real comforting food, feel like having rite now those tempting rasam..
Im not a Rasam fan, but since it does not involve too much stove work, Id give this one a try! Good one again!
Thank you all…do try it out. It is definitely as easy-peasy as I make it out to be! It was divine, and more so because Rasam and Rice are one of my favourite comfort foods! 🙂
I tried this and it was really nice dear, thank you so much. It was so easy!
I tried this. Turned out great. My hubby din’t get to know that I tricked him with the amount of effort I put into this. Surely easy! Will remain in my regularly prepared home-food list for a long long time!! Its good when u have guests over too and when you have your hands full with a huge spread… esp. for lazy ppl like Moi!
Wow! Easy peasy! Must-try 🙂
I found your recipe when I was looking for rasam with diced tomatoes. Nice one.. i am going to try it.
btw, please avoid using any plastics in the microwave, like shrik wrap etc..
anything we can do to prevent the risk of cancer 🙂
Thanks foe the recipe