Chintapandu Charu Recipe (Tamarind Rasam)

Chintapandu Charu, also known as Tamarind Rasam, is a comforting and flavorful South Indian dish made using tamarind, spices, and tempered garlic. A staple in many Andhra households, this tangy rasam is typically served with hot rice and a simple stir-fry or papad. It’s not just tasty—it’s also light on the stomach and perfect for soothing colds, indigestion, or when you want a simple meal. This timeless recipe balances spice, tang, and warmth in every spoonful.

Ingredients:

• Tamarind – small lemon-sized (or 1 tbsp paste)
• Jaggery – 1 tsp
• Red chilli powder – ½ to 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
• Salt – to taste
• Curry leaves – few
• Coriander leaves – chopped (for garnish)
• Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
• Fenugreek seeds – ¼ tsp
• Dry red chillies – 1 or 2
• Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch
• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
• Coriander seeds – 1 tsp
• Garlic – 4 cloves (crushed)
• Water – 3 to 4 cups
• Oil or ghee – 1 tsp

Preparation Steps:

1. Tamarind Extract:
   • Soak tamarind in ½ cup warm water for 10 minutes.
   • Squeeze and extract juice. Discard the pulp.
2. Make Rasam Base:
   • In a pot, add tamarind water + 3 cups plain water.
   • Mix in jaggery, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
   • Boil gently for 10 minutes on medium heat.
3. Tempering (Tadka):
   • Heat oil/ghee in a small pan.
   • Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
   • Add fenugreek seeds, dry red chillies, curry leaves.
   • Add crushed garlic, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds. Fry till aromatic.
   • Add a pinch of asafoetida.
   • Pour this tempering into the simmering rasam.
4. Final Touch:
   • Turn off the flame.
   • Add fresh coriander leaves.
   • Serve hot with rice or sip like a soup.

Health Benefits

1. Aids Digestion – Tamarind and spices like cumin, hing, and garlic help improve gut health and relieve indigestion.
2. Boosts Immunity – Garlic, curry leaves, and coriander are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
3. Relieves Cold & Cough – The warm, spiced rasam soothes sore throats and clears nasal congestion.
4. Light & Comforting – Easy to digest, making it suitable during fever, fatigue, or recovery.
5. Detoxifying Effect – Tamarind acts as a natural detoxifier, helping cleanse the system.

Tips

• Soak tamarind properly and extract thick pulp for best flavor.
• Balance tanginess with a little jaggery for a rounded taste.
• Always temper (tadka) with mustard, garlic, cumin, and curry leaves for authentic aroma.
• Do not overboil rasam; simmer gently to retain freshness of spices.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves just before serving.

Variations

1. Pepper Rasam (Miriyala Charu) – Add black pepper for a spicier, medicinal version.
2. Tomato Rasam – Add ripe tomatoes for a tangy twist.
3. Dal Rasam (Pappu Charu style) – Cooked toor dal added for a thicker, protein-rich version.
4. Lemon Rasam – Replace tamarind with lemon juice for a fresh citrus flavor.
5. Coriander Rasam – Use lots of coriander leaves for a fragrant rasam.
6. Mysore Rasam – Add a freshly ground masala with coconut and spices.