Kokum Rasam and Earth Day

Earth Day
Though we renew our commitments to the environment on this day, practising sustainable living should be an every day affair. Simple, small things can make a big difference to make this planet greener. Scientists are of the opinion that we have a small window of about 10 -20 years before the changes brought on by Global Warming becomes irreversible.

Photo Courtesy: Cherry Blossoms

Green Earth

Tip 1: Line Dry the laundry in the backyard or patio and give a rest to the dryer during the hot summer months.

Tip 2: Unplug electric equipments from power outlets when not in use.
US Dept of Energy - Enery Saving Tips

Tip 3: Cofee grounds, brown paper filters and crushed egg shells not only enrich the soil but also save young leaves from crawling insects. - Linda

Kokum Rasam:
Recipe Source: Sia of Monsoon Spice
Sia had blogged this mouth watering Tambli made with kokum, a couple of weeks ago. I had this Kokum from Linda's Arusuvai pacakage and was wondering what to cook with it and commented about the same to Sia. In the next few minutes an email arrived with the subject line "Not a spam"! Ofcourse the email had some precious stuff and would have never been mistaken for a spam. The recipe was so simple but the taste of Kokum Rasam is something to be savored. Thanks Sia for the wonderful recipe and thanks again Linda for introducing this beautiful ingredient.

Ingrdients
1. 8 Kokum pieces soaked in water
2. 1/4 inch piece of crushed ginger
3. 3 green chilies slit
4. 3 garlic pods chopped
5. 1 red chili split
6. 1 tsp pepper powder (I added cumin,pepper and coriander seeds powdered)
7. seasonings mustard, curry leaves
8. 1/2 tbsp chopped onions (optional, not in Sia's recipe, I added them by habit)

Method
1. Heat the soaked Kokum Pieces, slit green chilies, crushed ginger in a pan with about 3 cups of water
2. Let it come to a boil (about 5-10 minutes)
3. Add the pepper powder (fish out the kokum pieces as per Sia's recipe I left them in)
4. Add salt and adjust for taste/
5. Meanwhile heat some oil, add mustard, curry leaves, red chilies and saute the onions and garlic
6. Add the seasonings to the rasam

The rasam was simply deliciious with rice and just by itself. I am not going to tamarind based rasams any time soon provided I can buy some kokum in my local grocery store.