Sambhar/ Famous Sambar recipe/ South Indian lentil recipe by Tarla Dalal

Preparation Time: 15 minutes.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes.

Serves 6.

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)

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.