Sambhar

Preparation Time: 15 minutes.

 Cooking Time: 20 minutes.

 Serves 6. 

Ingredients : 

¾ cup toovar (arhar) dal
2 drumsticks (saijan ki phalli / saragvo) ,  cut into 3" pieces
½ cup bottle gourd (doodhi / lauki) cubes
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp mustard seeds ( rai / sarson)
6 to 7 curry leaves (kadi patta)
2 pinches of asafoetida (hing)
½ cup chopped tomatoes
8 small shallots (madras onions)
2½ tbsp tamarind (imli) pulp
3 tbsp sambhar masala
2 tsp chilli powder
A pinch of turmeric powder (haldi)
Salt to taste
2 tbsp finely chopped coriander (dhania)

Instruction :

1. Wash the toovar dal thoroughly and drain.
2. Combine the washed dal and 2 cups of water in a pressure cooker and pressure cook for 3 whistles.
3. Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid.
4. Blend the dal using a hand blender till it is smooth and keep aside.
5. Combine the drumsticks and bottle gourd with 1 cup of water in a deep non-stick pan and cook on a medium flame for 4 to 5 minutes or till the vegetables are soft. Keep aside.
6. Heat the oil in a deep non-stick pan and add the mustard seeds, curry leaves and asafoetida and sauté on a medium flame for a few seconds.
7. Add the tomatoes, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally. 
8. Add the cooked bottle gourd and drumstick, shallots,  tamarind pulp, cooked dal, , salt, sambhar masala, chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt and ¾ cup of water, mix well and bring to boil and allow to cook on a medium flame for 2 t o3 minutes, while stirring occasionally. 
9. Cook on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
10. Add the coriander, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 minute. 
     Serve hot.