World Flavors Cookbook

Charu (Vedic Spiced Broth)

A Vedic sacrificial broth of sour rice water or tamarind, seasoned with pepper and spices — one of the ritual foods offered at the Soma sacrifice.

Cuisine: Ancient World

Ingredients

• tamarind pulp, water, black pepper, cumin, coriander, turmeric, rock salt, ghee, jaggery

Instructions

1. Dissolve tamarind in warm water. Strain. Bring tamarind water to a simmer. Add ground pepper, cumin, and coriander. Add turmeric and salt. Simmer 15 minutes. Add a piece of jaggery to balance sourness. Strain again if desired. Finish with melted ghee. Drink as a thin soup or serve over rice.