Simple Rasam (charu)

Ingredients:

Water - 2 and 1/2 cups
Tamarind - 1/2 lemon size
Tomatoes - 1 (diced)
Drum sticks - 1 ( cut into 2 inch pieces)
Salt - as per taste
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Black pepper powder - 1 tsp
Coriander powder - 1 tsp
Curry leaves - 12 no.

For tempering:
Oil - 1 tbsp
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Dry red chillies - 1 (broken)
Asafoetida - 1/2 tsp

Procedure:

1. In a vessel take water along with tamarind, tomatoes, drum sticks and curry leaves. Let them boil until drum sticks are soft (well cooked).
2. Add the salt, turmeric powder, black pepper powder and coriander powder and continue to cook for another 8 to 10 min.
3. Mean while in small pan take oil and once it is hot add mustard seeds. Once they start to splutter add cumin seeds and dry red chillies. Fry till red chillies are puffed. It will take hardly 1 min. Add Asafoetida and turn off the stove.
4. Add the tempering prepared above to the Rasam. Serve hot with rice.

Microwave Bhindi (Okra)

Ingredients:

Okra (bhindi) - 2 cups ( cut into 2 inch pieces)
Onions - 2 medium ( sliced)
Tomatoes - 1 (cubed)
Cumin seeds - 1 tbsp
Red chilli powder - 1 tbsp
Salt - as per taste
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Coriander powder - 1 tbsp
Dry mango powder (amchoor) - 1 and 1/2 tsp
Oil - 1 and 1/2 tbsp
Dried red chillies - 2 (broken)
Curry leaves - 12

Procedure:

1. In a microwave safe bowl take oil, cumin seeds and onions. Mix and microwave high for about 8 min stirring in-between.
2. Now add bhindi (okra) along with curry leaves and mix. Continue to microwave for about 15 min. Stir in between.
3. Add tomatoes and microwave for about 6 min.
4. Finally add salt, red chilli powder, coriander powder, dry mango powder and turmeric powder. Mix and microwave high for about 4 min.
5. Serve with roti or rice.