Instant Tomato Rasam in Pressure Cooker

Instant Tomato Rasam is a quick and flavorful South Indian soup that is traditionally made with tamarind, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. It is typically served as a comforting accompaniment to rice. Here's a recipe for making Instant Tomato Rasam in a pressure cooker:

Ingredients:

• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green chili, slit
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon rasam powder (available in Indian stores) or sambar powder
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 2 cups water
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

For Tempering:

• 2 teaspoons ghee or oil
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2-3 dry red chilies
• Curry leaves

Instructions:

1. Heat the pressure cooker on medium heat. Add ghee or oil, and once it's hot, add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and asafoetida. Let them splutter.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and slit green chili. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, rasam powder or sambar powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
4. Dissolve the tamarind paste in water and add it to the pressure cooker. Stir well to combine.
5. Close the pressure cooker with the lid and cook for 2-3 whistles. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
6. Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and give the rasam a good stir. If it appears too thick, add some more water to achieve the desired consistency.
7. Taste the rasam and adjust the salt and spices according to your preference.
8. For tempering, heat ghee or oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dry red chilies, and curry leaves. Let them crackle and release their aroma.
9. Pour the tempering over the prepared rasam and mix well.
10. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Your Instant Tomato Rasam is ready to be served! Serve it hot with steamed rice or enjoy it as a comforting soup.