The humble rasam is a sour and spicy, centuries-old superfood, for a variety of reasons. Considered a comfort food of South India, this soup-like, tangy flavoured broth, not only satiates the taste buds, but protects the body from various health issues. Predominantly prepared using tamarind extract as the base, it includes tomato, pepper, cumin, dried red chillies, turmeric, and other spices that have many health benefits. There are innumerable varieties to choose from.

Listed below are a few select rasams that are not only nourishing but help to stave off a cold during the rainy monsoon weather with their therapeutic ingredients. COVID or not, rasam is a healing broth.

Piquant green chilli rasam

The green chilli has absolutely zero calories. It’s a natural source of iron, balances blood sugar levels, improves the immune system. It is also a stress reliever, pain reliever, digestive, and ulcer preventative and a rasam with green chilli mixed with boiled rice is a piquant and stimulating meal.

Zingy ginger rasam

Ginger is loaded with antioxidants, compounds that prevent stress and damage to your body’s DNA. Ginger may help the body fight off chronic diseases, like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diseases of the lung, plus promote healthy aging. It can support your immune system, and is an anti-inflammatory and can help to settle an upset stomach. Drink up the rasam with grated ginger that is zingy on the tongue.

Aromatic garlic rasam

Though a common kitchen ingredient, garlic is highly valued since ancient times for its numerous health benefiting properties. Garlic is highly nutritious but has very few calories. It is rich in vitamins C, B6, and manganese. Its benefits include antibacterial and antifungal properties. Additionally, it gives it antibiotic properties and flushes out toxins from the digestive system. Also builds immunity against the common cold and provides relief from stubborn colds and flu and fights sinusitis. The garlic rasam is an aromatic broth that can be drunk before a meal or mixed with piping hot rice.

Traditional pepper rasam

Black pepper is a hot pungent spice with a host of health benefits. It is rich in mineral content, and is classified as a medicinal spice and used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine. Pepper rasam helps in treating respiratory diseases, good for digestion, prevents constipation, and aids in weight loss. Pepper rasam is the go-to meal to fight a cold, throat infection, or fever.

Gooseberry Rasam

It is one of the richest sources of vitamin C, and enhances nutrient absorption, eliminates free radicals, and helps in flushing out toxins from the system. It acts as a powerful antioxidant. It relieves acidity, improves calcium absorption, acts as a diuretic, manages diabetes, slows aging, good for hair quality, and eye health.

The writer is the author of the cookbook, Usha’s Pickles Digest, and her forthcoming cookbook, 1000 RasamDigest has caught the fancy of New York Times food lovers and she is hailed as the queen of rasam for putting the dish on the global food map.

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