Sambhar

South Indian preparation to be accompanied with idlis, dosas, vadas and rice.

Ingredients

1 cup Tuvar (yellow lentils) dal (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)

4-5 strips tamarind soaked for 5 minutes (paste or pulp may also be used)

1 tbsp. jaggery or sugar

2 tbsp. sambar masala

1/4 tsp. turmeric powder

1 tsp. dhania (coriander powder) powder

1 tsp. red chili powder

1/2 tsp. each cumin and mustard seeds

3 whole red chillies

1 stalk curry leaves

4 onions

1/2 cup boiled mixed veggies

1 large tomato

1 tbsp. chopped coriander leaves

2-3 flakes garlic

Salt according to taste

2 tbsp. oil

Serve with

        Serve steaming hot with hot idlis, coconut chutney and dosas.

Method

1. Add tamarind, 1/2 tomato & 1 onion chopped, to the dal.
2. Pressure cook till dal is done very soft. (Approx. 4 whistles)
3.Remove dal and beat with a whisk or churner till smooth.
4.Grind to a paste, 1 onion, 1/4 tomato, jaggery, garlic, all dry masalas.
5.Chop the remaining onion and tomato to medium or fine pieces.
6.Heat oil, add seeds , curry leaves and allow to splutter.
7.Add onion, mixed veggies, tomato and stir fry for 2 minutes.
8.Add paste, and cook for further 2 minutes.
9.Add dal and bring to a boil on high.
10.Add enough water to get sambar consistency. Check and adjust masalas as required.
11.Simmer for 12-15 minutes on low, till the aroma exudes. Add chopped coriander before serving.