The summer-to-fall transition sometimes challenges my immunity. Last night, I was feeling the beginnings of a cold, and I craved something spicy. However, I wondered if a bowl of soup might be more effective.
I found the best medicine at Chennai Garden, which serves rasam, an incredibly spicy South Indian soup. The light tamarind broth boasts a huge whole red chili in addition to bay leaves, diced tomatoes and black mustard seeds. When I ordered it, the waiter tried to dissuade me. I shocked him by drinking up the whole bowl and barely touching my glass of water. My eyes were watering and my throat was burning, but I forgot I even had a cold.
When the waiter brought the check, I told him my reason for ordering the rasam. "It will make you feel better," he said encouragingly. Indeed, I woke up today and the cold was gone!
Chennai Garden: 129 East 27th St., (212) 689-1999.
Friday, September 15, 2006
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2 comments:
When I lived in Madurai, not far from Chennai (formerly Madras), we ALWAYS had rasam when we were coming down with colds! You can also have with crispy dal doughnuts (vadai) in it. Yummy.
love Liz
sounds like just the thing to warm me up tonight! :)
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