Shilarna Vaze's Amla Moringa Pepper Rasam: A Nostalgic Recipe with a Tangy Twist

Have you ever tasted a dish that immediately takes you down memory lane? For food enthusiast Shilarna Vaze, also known as Chinu, the aroma and flavors of rasam evoke cherished school-day memories of sharing meals with friends in old Bombay. This particular recipe, Amla Moringa Pepper Rasam, is her creative twist on a classic, combining the tangy goodness of amla, the nutritional benefits of moringa leaves, and the bold kick of black pepper. Curious about how to recreate this heartwarming dish? Let's dive in!

The Story Behind the Recipe

For Shilarna, food is more than just sustenance—it's a bridge to the past. She fondly recalls her school memories of swapping meals with her best friend, relishing rasam rice drenched in ghee at her friend's house. Inspired by those memories, she crafted this recipe to incorporate the nutritional powerhouse amla (Indian gooseberry) into a savory dish. Adding moringa leaves and plenty of black pepper gives this rasam a modern yet authentic twist, making it both nostalgic and innovative.

Why Amla and Moringa?

Amla and moringa are celebrated in Indian cuisine for their incredible health benefits. Amla is packed with vitamin C, which boosts immunity and promotes glowing skin, while moringa leaves are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and rich nutrient profile. Shilarna's decision to blend these ingredients into a rasam not only elevates its flavor but also transforms it into a wholesome, superfood-packed dish.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Paste:

• 4 Amla (Indian Gooseberries)
• 2 Ripe Tomatoes
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 tbsp Whole Peppercorns
• 6 Garlic Cloves
• 1" Ginger

For the Rasam:

• 1 tbsp Ghee or Oil
• 1 tbsp Mustard Seeds
• ½ tbsp Cumin
• 2 Pinches Asafoetida
• 2 Sprigs Curry Leaves
• 1 Green Chilli
• 1 Dry Red Chilli
• 6 Whole Amla
• ½ Cup Moringa Leaves boiled in 2 cups water
• 3 Cups Water
• 2 tbsp Rasam/Sambar Masala
• 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
• Salt to taste
• ½ tbsp Turmeric (Haldi)
• 1 tbsp Jaggery
• ½ Cup Boiled and Mashed Tur Dal
• Fresh Coriander

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Paste

Start by removing the seeds from the amla. Blend the amla pieces with ripe tomatoes, cumin, peppercorns, garlic, and ginger into a smooth paste. This forms the tangy and spicy base of your rasam.

Step 2: Temper the Spices

In a pan, heat ghee or oil and add mustard seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, dry red chili, and green chili. Let the spices crackle and release their aroma, creating a flavorful foundation for the dish.

Step 3: Cook the Base

Add the amla-tomato paste to the tempered spices and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir in salt, rasam masala, red chili powder, turmeric, jaggery, and whole amla. Gradually add water and let the mixture simmer until it comes to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dal and Moringa Leaves

Add the boiled and mashed tur dal along with the moringa leaves. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before removing the pan from the heat.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

This flavorful rasam is best served hot with steamed rice and a dollop of ghee. Its tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile makes it a perfect comfort meal.

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A post shared by Chinu/ Shilarna Vaze (@chefchinuvaze)

Food has the power to transport us back in time, and for Shilarna Vaze, this recipe is a beautiful reminder of the charm of old Bombay and the joy of sharing meals with friends. With its tangy, spicy, and wholesome flavors, Amla Moringa Pepper Rasam is more than just a dish—it's a heartfelt story served on a plate. So, try it out and let your taste buds take a trip down memory lane!