Arachuvitta Sambar

Prep and cook time - 1 hr

Serves - 3 to 4

Ingredients:

• Toor Dhal - 1/2 cup
• Shallots/small onions - 1/2 cup
• or
• Veggies of your choice - 1/2 cup (Potato, Carrot, Brinjal etc)
• Tomato - 1 medium (chopped)
• Tamarind paste - 2 tsp or marble sized tamarind soaked in 1/2 cup water and squeezed.
• Curry leaves - few
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
• Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Coriander leaves - for garnishing
• Salt - to taste
• Oil - 2 tsp

Roast and grind:

• Coriander seeds - 1 tbsp
• Chana dhal - 1 1/2 tsp
• Red chilies - 6 to 7
• Asafoetida - a pinch
• Methi seeds - 1/4 tsp
• Coconut - 2 tbsp
• Curry leaves - few
• Oil - 1 tsp

Method:

1. Pressure cook the dhal with 2 cups water and turmeric powder for 3 whistles.
2. If your using veggies, then half cook them in the microwave and use it.
3. Roast and grind the masala mix and set aside.
4. Heat 2 tsp oil in a heavy bottomed vessel and splutter mustard seeds.
5. Add curry leaves, shallots or the veggies and fry for a minute.
6. Add the tamarind juice and once it comes to a rolling boil, add the cooked dhal and mix everything well.
7. Now add the ground masala mix and stir well. Reduce the heat. Add salt and let the sambar boil for 5 mins.
8. Remove and garnish with coriander leaves.