Sambar

Sambar is a south Indian vegetables stew which includes toor dal and some tamarind pulp and spices.Sambar includes vegetables like pumpkin,tomatoes,potatoes,brinjal,onions,okra.Sambhar powder is combination of various roasted lentils or dals as chana dal,urad dal,jeera ,methidana,cloves,dried red chilli, heeng,curry leaves,cinnamon or dalchini.We can get ready sambar masala in markets.Sambar can be taken with idli,dosa,vada,and with rice also.

Servings:4

Ingredients:

Toovar dal:3/4 cup

Lauki or bottle gourd:chopped 1/4 cup

Pumpkin :1/4cup chopped

Drumsticks:2 cut into pieces

Tomato:3-4 chopped

Onions:2 chopped

Potato:1 chopped

Brinjal:1 chopped

Mustard seeds:1/2tsp

Tamarind pulp:2 tbsp

Sambar masala:2tbsp

Salt:to  taste

Turmeric powder:1/2tsp

Curry leaves:5-6

Red chilli powder:1/4tsp

Dried red chilli:2

Asafoetida or heeng: a pinch

Coriander:2tsp finely chopped

Oil:3tsp

Water:3 cups

Method:

1.Boil Toovr dal with one and a half cup water.Dal should be soft.

Boil potato,pumpkin,lauki,brinjals,drumsticks by adding 2cups of water.Add turmeric powder.Cook for 15 minutes after  1 whistle.Dal and vegetables should be soft and mushy.

2.Soak tamarind in 1/2 cup water for half an hour.Remove the pulp by mashing with hands ,strain the pulp and keep it for later use.

3.Heat oil in a pan.Add mustard seeds.When they start to crackle add dried chilli,curry leaves,and heeng.

4.Add tomatoes and onions.When tomatoes and onions becomes soft add salt ,sambar masala,red chilli powder,tamarind pulp.Mix them well.

5.Add boiled toovr dal and vegetables to masala.If mixture is thick add more water.

6.Cook dal on medium heat for 7-8 minutes.

7.Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with idli ,dosa or vada.