Sambar

Serves 2

Ingredients

• Thoor dal (yellow split peas), cooked to paste with a pinch of tumeric powder,

• 1 tbsp tamarind paste,

• ½ cup onion diced,

• 1 tomato diced,

• 2 green chillies,

• ½ tsp mustard seeds,

• 3-4 curry leaves,

• 1 tsp chopped cilantro,

• 1 tsp sambar powder,

• 1 tsp channa dal,

• 1 tsp coriander seeds,

• 1/4 cumin seeds,

• ½-1 red dry chillies,

• 1 tsp sugar,

• 1 tsp salt or to taste.

Preparation

First grind the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, red dry chillies and channa dal with one tablespoon of shredded coconut and sauté. Keep aside.

To a pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil. When hot, add the mustard seeds. When they pop, add the onion, tomato, green chilli and curry leaves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add 2 cups of water and tamarind paste and season with salt and sugar. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Open the lid, add the cooked toor dal, ground paste and chopped cilantro. Bring it to a boil and use.