Spicy Tamarind Soup

Rasam powder—a toasted blend of dal, chiles, and whole spices—combines with curry leaves and a host of other spices in this peppery south Indian soup. It’s a staple of the January harvest festival in Tamil Nadu known as Thai Pongal. Tamarind, also known as Indian date, contributes a sweet-and-sour flavor that pairs well with the aromatic seasonings.