Kasayam

Ingredients

• Panam Karkandu/ Honey/ Karupatti - to sweeten
• Water - 2.5 cups
• Ajwain leaves - 2
• Basil (Tulsi) leaves - 5
• Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
• Coriander seeds - 5-6
• Thippili (Long Pepper) - 1 piece
• Black peppercorns (Mialgu)  - 5-6
• Dry Ginger (Chukku)  - 1" piece
• optional
• Sitharathai (Galangal) - 1/2" piece
• Adimadhuram (Liquorice Root) - 1/2" piece
• Mint Leaves - 2-3
• Kuppaimeni (Indian Nettle) leaves - 2
• Thoothuvalai leaves - 2

Method

1. Slightly crush the seeds (coriander, cumin, peppercorns), Thippili (long pepper) and dry ginger using a mortar and pestle.
2. Take the water in a sauce pan. Add the crushed items.
3. Tear and add the herbs. If you have dried herbs, add as such.
4. If you are adding Karupatti or panam Karkandu, add it at this stage. If you do not have these, add honey or sugar while serving.
5. Switch on the flame and boil it. Reduce the flame and let it simmer for 5 minutes.Strain and serve hot.