Ingredients
Scale
For the sambar masala
- 1 tablespoon chana dal
- 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 4–5 red chillies, dried (preferably gundu variety)
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 2 tablespoon fresh shredded coconut
For the sambar
- 1/3 cup toor dal
- 2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2–3 fenugreek seeds
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- a pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 15 small onions (Indian shallots)
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- gooseberry size tamarind
- 1/4 teaspoon jaggery
- 2–3 sprigs coriander leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Dry roast all the masala ingredients except coconut on a low flame till the lentils are nice and golden. Add in the coconut and saute for a few seconds. Grind the roasted ingredients to a powder. Set aside.
- Pressure cook the toor dal with 2 cups of water. Set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a pan until hot. Add in the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds and curry leaves. Let it splutter. Reduce the flame to low and add in the asafoetida. Add in the small onions (indian shallots) and chopped tomatoes. Add in the turmeric powder and salt. Saute for a couple of minutes.
- Add in the tamarind pulp, jaggery and the ground sambar masala to the pan. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for 10 minutes in medium flame until the shallots (small onions) are soft and tender.
- Add in the cooked dal and simmer for a minute.
- Add in the coriander leaves and remove from heat.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Tamilnadu