Spicy Black Pepper Soup

The "black pepper soup" is commonly known as "black pepper rasam" in south India. This is a very common and famous delicacy of South India and is a must in almost all special occasions like weddings. This dish is used as a home remedy in-case of common cold, fever and gastric problems. The ingredients are easily available and this is a very quick and simple dish to make. Hope you like it.

1. Black pepper - 2 tbsp
2. Garlic - 4 cloves
3. Cumin seeds - 1 tbsp
4. Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
5. Asafoetida - 1/4 tsp
6. Salt - to taste
7. Cilantro (chopped) - 1/2 cup
8. Oil - 2 tsp
9. Mustard seeds - 1tsp
10. Curry Leaves - 8
11. Chopped tomato - 1/2 cup
12. Tamarind - small ball of the size of a small lemon
13. Water - 3 cups or as per desired consistency

1. In a blender, grind whole black pepper, cumin and garlic to a coarse paste.
2. In a vessel, add oil and heat it.
3. When oil is hot, add mustard seeds.
4. Once mustard seeds splutter, add chopped tomatoes and curry leaves. Cook it till the tomatoes become soft but not pasty.
5. Add the ground paste from step 1, turmeric powder, asafoeida and mix well. Ensure it doesn't burn.
6. Add freshly squeezed tamarind juice and mix.
7. Add salt and mix well.
8. Add water to desired quantity.
9. Once it comes to a boil, turn off the stove.
10. Add chopped cilantro.
11. Serve hot.