Vepampoo rasam

Neem flowers are used to make this rasam. Neem flowers are called as vepampoo in Tamil language. Hence, in Tamilnadu it is known as vepampoo rasam. This rasam is usually prepared on the Tamil New Year day and has all the health benefits of neem flower.

Neem flowers are expected to purify the blood by cleaning our intestines of worms and toxins. In India, dried neem flowers are available in organic food stores and in shops that sell ayurvedic medicines. Fresh neem flowers can also be dried in the sun and stored for many months

      Ingredients:
1.    Tomatoes -1/2( cut into two pieces)
2.    Tamarind pulp -1/4cup
3.    Cooked split pigeon pea -3tblsps
4.    Dried neem flower -1tsp
5.    Turmeric powder -1/2tsp
6.    Rasam powder -2tsp
7.    Asafoetida -1/4tsp
8.    Sugar -2tsps
9.    Mustard seeds -1tsp
10.    Clarified butter -1tsp
11.    Salt to taste

Method:
Dilute the tamarind pulp with two cups of water. Cook the tomatoes in it along with the turmeric powder, rasam powder, asafoetida powder, salt and sugar. When the tomatoes turn mushy, add the split pigeon pea and more water. Check the consistency. Simmer for few seconds. Season it with mustard seeds and dried neem leaves fried in clarified butter.

Note:

For rasam powder

Ingredients

1. Coriander seeds -1tsp
2. Black Peppercorns -3tsps
3. Cumin seeds - 1tsp
4. Curry leaves – few (about 10 leaves)
5. Red chillies -10 to 12
6. Asafoetida powder -1tsp 

 Without using oil, toast separately the above ingredients.  Combine them and grind to a smooth powder.

This powder can also be substituted with ready made rasam powder of any brand.