Sambar

A south Indian specialitiy that goes with breakfast items like idli,dosa,vadai and with rice.

You need:
Pearl onions- 1 cup
Drumstick - 1 cut into 1" pieces
Toor dhal-1 1/2 cups
Sambar powder-3 teaspoons
Tomato -1
Red chillies-2
Mustard-1 teaspoon
Curry leaves- a few
Fenugreek seeds-1/4 teaspoon
Salt-To taste
Oil-2 teaspoons

1.Soak tamarind in a little hot water and extract thick juice.[1/4 cup approx.]
2.Steam the drumstick till done .[The drumstick pieces should be cooked and firm and should not split open when touched ].
3.Boil the toor dhal with sufficient water along with tomato.When done mash the dhal and tomato.
4.Heat oil in a pan and add mustard,asafoetida,mustard,curry leaves, fenugreek seeds, chillies and saute.
5.Add onions and saute till golden brown. Add the boiled drumstick pieces.
6.Next add the tamarind extract and salt.Simmer till the juice reduces to half.
7.Stir in sambar powder ,mashed toor dhal and add a little water if it is too thick.
8.Bring to a boil and stir for 4-5 minutes
9.Remove from heat and serve with dosa,uthappam,vadai or over warm rice and ghee.


Other vegetables can also be used like radish,brinjal,ladies finger,white pumpkin,carrot,chow-chow,potato,beans,capsicum.Mixed veggie sambar -beans,carrot,cauliflower,carrot and peas make a good combination.

Stir fry brinjal,ladies finger in oil before adding tamarind juice.Other veggies can be boiled and added.

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