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.

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