Sambar is a spicy lentil gravy with variety of vegetables. Sambar accompanies many South Indian meals, like dosa, idli, rice. One can say South Indian meal is not complete without Sambar.Sambar gets it distinct taste from the sambar masala.Here I have used readymade masala,but most south Indian houses have their own recipes for the same.

Can also be had with steamed rice.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Toovar Dal.

1 tbsp oil.

1 tbsp Ghee

1/2  tsp cumin seeds (jeera)

1/4 tsp fenugreek seed (methi)

1/4 tsp mustard seeds (rai)

Pinch of asafoetida (hing)

1/4 tsp Turmeric powder.

1/2 tsp Kashmiri mirchi (Chilli powder)

10-12 curry leaves

4 dry whole red chilies.

1 Onion cubbed into big pieces.

1 large tomato cubed in small pieces

1-½ cup mixed vegetables cubed  (carrot,potatoes,brinjal,pumkin,drumstics,french beans, )

2 tbs tamarind pulp.

1 tbs grated Jaggery.

1 tbs Everest  sambar masala.

Salt to taste.

Method:

Wash and soak dal in about 2 cups of water for 10 minutes or longer.

In pressure cooker add soaked dal, about 2-1/2 cups of water cook on medium high heat for 6to 7 whistles..

Dal should be soft and mushy.

Mix dal well enough so there are no lumps. If  dal is thick add up to 1 cup of water.

Heat the oil in a pan.

Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, asafetida, red chilies, and curry leaves, and then stir for a few seconds.

Add turmeric powder,chilli powder and sambar masala.

Stir fry for a minute.Add onions and fry.

Add mixed vegetables,mix well .

Add 1/2 cup water,cover and cook  till vegetables become tender.

Add tomatoes,cook for a minute more.

Add cooked dal to this mixture,add salt,tamarind pulp and jaggery, mix well with light hand.

Cover and let simmer on slow flame for 5 mins.

Top up with ghee.Remove in a serving bowl.

Serve hot with dosa, idli or steamed rice.

Happy Cooking !!!

Sameera