Gooseberry has been treasured for centuries in traditional medicinal systems such as Ayurveda, thanks to its myriad health benefits. The small, round fruits are renowned for exceptionally high vitamin C and A content. They are beneficial for eye health, radiant skin, and healthy hair, besides enhancing the immune system, boosting memory power, and aiding digestion. The antioxidants and fiber in gooseberries also contribute to heart health by reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. They are also used for easing menstrual disorders and conditions like rheumatism.
Hence, to incorporate the goodness of gooseberries into the daily routine is highly beneficial for the overall health. However, most would find it challenging to have gooseberries raw. But you can make a variety of dishes using gooseberries. While many love the tangy goodness of gooseberry pickle, few have tasted the nutritious and flavourful gooseberry rasam. Here’s how it’s prepared:
Ingredients
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cumin seeds
Green chillies, as needed
10 pods of garlic
¼ cup cooked lentils
¼ tsp turmeric powder
1/8 tsp asafetida
Salt to taste
For seasoning
1 tsp ghee
½ tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 sprig of curry leaves
Preparation
In a mixer, grind the chopped gooseberries after adding half a cup of water
Add pepper, cumin seeds, and garlic pods and pulse the mix
No need to grind it into paste form
Pour the same into a vessel and add 2 ½ cups of water
Add in the asafoetida and turmeric powder and stir well
Now switch on the flames and add some more water if needed to maintain the consistency
Add the required salt and cooked lentils
Switch off the stove when the lentils become soft and mushy
Season the rasam with ghee and the other ingredients
Now garnish the same with coriander leaves
Serve it hot
Enjoy this wholesome and flavourful gooseberry rasam as a nourishing part of your meal
