Chettinad Sambar

A simple and tasty sambar recipe. Use any vegetable of choice.

Ingredients:
Toor Dal – 1 cup
White Radish (or Drumsticks) – 200 gms (or use any other vegetable of choice)
Onions – 2, big
Tomatoes – 3 to 4 (depending on size)
Sambar Powder – 4 tsp
Turmeric Powder – 1/4 tsp
Tamarind Extract – 1 cup
Salt as per taste
Curry Leaves – few
Coriander Leaves – few

For Tempering:
Oil – 2 tsp
Fenugreek Seeds – 1/2 tsp
Urad Dal – 2 tsp
Mustard Seeds – 1 tsp
Asafoetida Powder – 1 tsp

Method:
1. Boil the toor dal with turmeric powder until mushy.
2. Finely chop the onions, radish and tomatoes.
3. Transfer to a pan and pour 4 cups of water. Place it over medium flame.
4. Bring to a boil.
5. Add the tamarind extract, sambar powder and salt.
6. Stir well and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
7. Add the cooked dal and mix. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
8. Fry the tempering ingredients in oil and add to the pan.
9. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
10. Garnish with coriander leaves and curry leaves.
11. Remove from flame.
12. Serve hot with rice.

image via Solai Chidambaram