Kollu Rasam

Introduction :
Horse Gram/Kollu  are generally known to us as cattle feed but its also good
for our health.Great remedy for cold,cough and body aches.Good source of
protein and iron.Most of all,it helps in loosing weight.Rasam will be one good
choice to start with when you introduce this legume to your family.


Recipe For Kollu Rasam :

Ingredients:
Horse Gram/Kollu - 1/4 Cup
Tomatoes - 2 (Chopped)
Garlic - 3 Cloves (Crushed)
Black Peppercorns - 1 tsp.(Crushed)
Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp.(Crushed)
Whole Red Chillies - 2 (Split into half)
Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp.
Asafoeitda - 1/4 tsp.
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp.
Tamarind - 2 Marble Size (Thick Pulp)
Water - 3 Cups
Curry Leaves - Few
Coriander Leaves - Few (For Garnishing)
Salt - To Taste
Ghee/Oil - 2 tsp.

Method:

Soak the horse gram/kollu  overnight in enough water.

Wash the soaked beans and pressure cook with 3 cups of water
for upto 5 to 6 whistles.They never get mushy.The outer skin will
be intact and when you press,it will be soft on the inside.

Drain all the water in a bowl and keep it ready for preparing rasam.
Cooked beans can be used for making chutney or sundal.

Coarsely powder the black peppercorns and cumin seeds using mortar
and pestle.

Crush the garlic,chop the tomatoes,get the pulp by soaking the tamarind in
little water and keep it aside.

Heat ghee/oil in a sauce pan,season with  mustard seeds and let it splutter.

Add the crushed black pepper powder,cumin powder,whole red chillies and
curry leaves.Sprinkle 1/4 tsp. of asafoetida and add the chopped tomatoes.

Allow it to cook until its soft and mushy.Now add the retained kollu water
along with turmeric powder,tamarind pulp and salt.

Add the coriander leaves and let the whole thing come to a boil.

Remove from the heat and serve it hot with piping hot plain rice and
appalam.
Note : Kollu takes a long time to cook,so soaking for atleast 5 to 6
            hours is a must.