Amla Rasam, also known as Nellikai Rasam, is a healthy South Indian soup made using fresh gooseberries. This recipe is unique because it delivers tangy flavor without relying heavily on tomatoes, making it naturally rich in Vitamin C and ideal for boosting immunity.
This rasam is quick to prepare and perfect for those looking for a healthy everyday dish. It is especially suitable during seasonal changes when immunity support is important. With simple ingredients and traditional tempering, this rasam provides both taste and nutrition in every serving.
🥗 Ingredients
- Amla (Gooseberry / Nellikai) – 4 medium
- Cooked toor dal water – 1 cup
- Tamarind extract – 1 tbsp
- Black pepper – 1 tsp
- Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
- Garlic – 4 cloves
- Curry leaves – 1 sprig
- Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
- Dry red chili – 1
- Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
- Asafoetida – ¼ tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Coriander leaves – few
- Oil or ghee – 2 tsp
- Water – 2 cups
🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Wash amla and steam or boil until soft.
- Remove seeds and grind the amla into a smooth paste.
- Crush pepper, cumin seeds, and garlic coarsely.
- In a vessel, add tamarind extract and water.
- Add turmeric powder, salt, and crushed spice mixture.
- Add cooked dal water and bring to a boil.
- Add ground amla paste and mix well.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes without over-boiling.
- Heat oil or ghee in a small pan.
- Add mustard seeds, red chili, curry leaves, and asafoetida.
- Pour the tempering into rasam.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips (Important)
- Do not overcook after adding amla to retain nutrients.
- Use freshly ground pepper and cumin for strong flavor.
- Add ghee for better aroma.
🌿 Health Benefits
- Rich in Vitamin C
- Boosts immunity
- Helps digestion
- Supports overall health
- Natural antioxidant properties
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with steamed rice
- Drink as soup during cold or cough
- Pair with vegetable poriyal
❄️ Storage Tips
- Best consumed fresh
- Can refrigerate up to 1 day
- Reheat gently before serving
❓ FAQ
Yes, amla itself provides tanginess.
Overcooking amla can cause bitterness.
Yes, thaw before use.
Yes, it supports immunity.
Yes, it can be omitted.
Other Articles
Next
April 10, 2026
Hotel Style Prawn Thokku Recipe | Spicy Eral Thokku
Previous
April 6, 2026
Easy Idli Podi Recipe – South Indian Style
