Betel leaf has been used from ancient times as an aromatic stimulant and anti-flatulent. It is useful in arresting secretion or bleeding and is an aphrodisiac. Its leaf is used in several common household remedies.
The plant has many traditional medicinal uses. Malaysians use the leaves for headaches, arthritis and joint pain. In Thailand and China the roots are crushed and blended with salt to relieve toothache. In Indonesia leaves are chewed with betel nut, and the masticated juice swallowed for relief from coughs and asthma.
In religious functions, especially in India, betel leaves are considered to be Lakshmi(Goddess of wealth), and is part of all major offerings to god, along with a piece of betel but (aka arecanut).
Using these leaves in a rasam ( flavoursome broth) was a totally refreshing experience, especially healthy in monsoons or winters. You can mix with either steamed rice or slurp it as a spicy soup. Either way, it will tantalise your taste buds. Lets get to making this Rasam with Betel leaves - Vettalai Rasam as this finds its way to BM # 32under Alphabet V.
Use tender leaves for best results. As this is a slightly astringent tasting rasam (especially if you have it for the first time on), add a teaspoon or two of cooked & mashed Toor dal if you serving it to kids
Prep time - 10 mins | cook time - 10 mins | serves - 3
Betel leaves spicy broth ( Rasam)
Ingredients:
- Young / tender betel leaves - 10-15 nos
- Tamarind - a small gooseberry size
- Salt - to taste
- Ghee - 1 tsp
- Oil - ½ tsp
- Tempering : mustard seeds, asafoetida
To grind :
- Jeera / cumin seeds - ½ tsp
- Dhaniya / dry coriander seeds -½ tbsp
- Toor dal / split pigeon pea - 1 tsp
- Red chillies - 1 or 2 (adjust spice)
- Dry copra / dry coconut - grated - ½ teaspoon (optional)
- Black pepper / milagu - 10 nos
Method:
In a pan, heat oil and roast all the "to grind" ingredients one by one.
Meanwhile Soak the tamarind in a bowl of hot water for 10 mins and extract the pulp.
Grind the roasted ingredients to a slightly smooth powder.
In a Kadai or frying pan, heat ghee. Make the mustard tempering. Add the ground paste and fry it for 1-2 mins
Now add salt, tamarind extract and 2 cups of water to it. Bring to a simmering boil.
Cut out thin strips of the betel leaves and add to the mixture.
Turn off heat after 3-4 mins.
Add ghee and serve immediately with rice or sip as a soup :-))
Unknown says
omg such an innovative rasam recipe 🙂 looks super yummy .. love to drink the whole bowl as is 🙂
Srivalli says
Such a lovely idea of using these leaves in rasam..good one..
Priya Suresh says
Thats a fantastic herbal rasam, would love to finish that bowl.
R says
amazing recipe, looks delicious!
Magees kitchenworld says
Soooo Healthy, Wonderful recipe
Unknown says
speechless here!!! so drooling... love this very comforting and delicious rasam... bookmarked!!
Sowmya
vaishali sabnani says
You know I am a rasam fan..so any kind will do for me...a wonderful recipe..
The Pumpkin Farm says
this is a new recipe and pretty unusual one, lovely idea
Chef Mireille says
what an interesting rasam
cookingwithsapana says
Such a flavorful rasam...looks yummy too!!
preeti garg says
rasam with paan... quite unique and amzing,.
Harini R says
This is very unique..never heard of it!
preeti garg says
Lovely and tasty rasam recipe
Sandhya Karandikar says
Interesting rasam. Must be hot and spicy and tingly with the betel nut leaves adding its flavour to it.
Padmajha says
Lovely rasam. I have bookmarked one such recipe long back and yet to try it. The pics are truly tempting!
Pavani says
Betel rasam sounds tasty. I'm not a big fan of betel leaves, does cooking make them less strong??
Rajani S says
Will try this recipe soon..saw many recipes with vetellai recently!
Mallikavaidya says
I shall it try today. Looks interesting.
Mallikavaidya says
I shall try it today. It looks interesting.
Archana says
Bookmarking this. Will get the betal leaves from my maid tomorrow.:)
veena says
Never knew that Vettalai caould be used in Rasam...must try this...