V8 TOMATO CHARU

                                             This is a simple charu/rasam made instantly in less than 15mins, using the V8 vegetable juice. Making tomato charu with regular boiled tomatoes is a lengthy process and consumes nearly an hour in preparation and cooking but this rasam is quick and easy for hungry and busy couples. Taste this and you will be not able to make out a difference between a regular tomato charu or this charu.

INGREDIENTS:

V8 Vegetable Juice---------------------1 can(5.5oz/163ml)
Water--------------------------------------2 cups
Onion--------------------------------------1/2 medium one chopped
Jalapeños----------------------------------3 sliced
Tamarind extract-------------------------1/2 tsp
Garlic--------------------------------------2 cloves crushed and chopped
Cumin,Mustard seeds-------------------1/2 tsp each
Curry leaves,Coriander leaves--------as required
Pepper powder---------------------------1/4tsp
Red chillies-------------------------------2
Turmeric----------------------------------a pinch
Oil------------------------------------------2tbsp

DIRECTIONS:

1.Pour a can of V8 Juice, 2cups water, Salt ,1/2 tsp tamarind extract and mix well. Adjust the salt or tamarind extract according to your taste. 

2.Heat oil in a sauce pan and add garlic. Once garlic is lightly fried temper it with mustard seeds, cumin seeds ,red chillies and curry leaves.

3.Add turmeric powder, chopped Onions, sliced Jalapeños,pepper powder  and a very little bit of salt and fry for about 4-6mins till onions are soft and done.

4. Add V8 juice-Water prepared in step1 to cooked onions and bring the whole thing to a boil on med-low flame for about 10-12mins.

5. Add cilantro, turn of the heat and and serve hot with rice.