South Indian Pepper Water (Soup)

Ingredients for 4-6

2 tsp vegetable oil, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp cumin seeds

1/2 tsp mustard seeds, 1/4 tsp asafoetide, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric

2 dried red chillies, 4-6 curry leaves, 2 garlic cloves, crushed

300 ml tomato juice, juice of 2 lemons, 120 ml water

salt, to taste, fresh coriander, to garnish

Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the next 8 ingredients until the chillies are nearly black and the garlic is golden brown.

Lower the heat and pour in the tomato juice, lemon juice and water. Bring to the boil then simmer for 10 minutes. Season to fast with salt. Pour into heated bowls, garnish with the chopped coriander if you like and serve.

Complete Indian Cooking by Om Books International