Ingredients:
Toovar Dal – 3/4 cup
Tamarind – 1 small lime-sized ball
Turmeric Powder – 1/2 tsp
Chettinad Sambar Podi – 1 1/2 tsp
Salt as per taste
Sambar Onions – 1/4 cup
Tomato – 1, medium, finely chopped
Coriander Leaves – 2 tblsp, finely chopped
For Tempering:
Oil – 2 tsp
Mustard Seeds – 1/2 tsp
Fenugreek Seeds – 1/2 tsp
Fennel Seeds – 1/4 tsp
Asafoetida Powder – 1/2 tsp
Urad Dal – 1 tsp
Curry Leaves – 1 sprig
Method:
1. Wash the dal and drain.
2. Pressure cook with 2 cups of water for 5 minutes.
3. Strain and reserve the dal and water.
4. Soak tamarind in 1 cup water for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Extract juice and discard pulp.
6. Transfer the reserved dal water into a pan.
7. Mix in the turmeric powder, sambar powder, salt and vegetables.
8. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes till vegetables are tender.
9. Add the tamarind extract and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
10. Add the dal.
11. Simmer for another 5 to 6 minutes till well blended.
12. Heat oil in a small pan and add the tempering ingredients.
13. When the mustard seeds start to splutter, add it to the sambar.
14. Garnish with coriander leaves.
15. Serve hot with rice.
