Gourmet Sambar

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Toor dal

• 2 tomatoes, cut into chunks

• 2 green chillies, slit

• 1/4 tsp turmeric

• Salt, to taste

• Oil

• 1 onion, sliced into long strips

• Assorted desired vegetables (e.g., carrots, pumpkin, beans)

• 3-4 tbsp Amma's Sambar Masala

• Tamarind water (from soaked tamarind)

• Water, as needed

• 1/2 tsp jaggery

• Additional salt, to taste

• 2 sticks curry leaves

• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Optional Tempering:

• Ghee

• Mustard seeds

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

• 2 Guntur gundu chillis

• A pinch of Asafoetida

Get Cooking:

1. In a pressure cooker, combine the Toor dal, tomatoes, green chillies, turmeric, and salt. Add enough water to cover the ingredients. Cook under pressure until the dal is soft.

2. In a separate pan, heat oil and sauté the sliced onions until they are golden brown.

3. Add your choice of vegetables to the sautéed onions and cook until they are tender.

4. Add in the Amma's Sambar Masala , mixing well with the vegetables.

5. Add the soaked tamarind water to the mixture.

6. Once the dal is cooked, mash it lightly and add it to the vegetable mixture in the pan.

7. Pour in the desired amount of water to achieve your preferred consistency.

8. Add the jaggery and season with additional salt. Toss in the curry leaves, including the sticks.

9. Allow the sambar to simmer and boil for about 10 minutes, letting the flavours meld together.

10. Just before serving, add freshly chopped coriander leaves after turning off the heat.

Optional Tempering:

1. In a small pan, heat ghee and add mustard seeds. Once they start to splutter, add the chopped garlic, Guntur gundu chillis, and a pinch of Asafoetida. Sauté briefly until aromatic.

2. Drizzle this tempering over the prepared sambar for an extra flavour boost.

Sambar is a gourmet delight that elevates any meal. Pair it with rice, millets, dosai, idly, uthappam, vadai, pongal, or poori for an unforgettable culinary experience.