Sambhar is a traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine, which is now famous not only nation wide but world over. Its made up of vegetables and lentsils and is must and seen on all occassions in tamilian families. Its delicious and mouth watering. Its either taken along steamed rice or with dosas and idlis.



Ingredients:
Toor Dal - 1 cup
Carrots -2 (chopped length wise into approximately 1 inch)
Green chillies - 1( chopped).
Okra - 5 (sliced length wise into 4 pieces)
Baby Egg plant - 3 (cut into 1 inch cubes)
Tomatoes - 2 (coarsely chopped)
Ginger - 1/2 Inch (chopped)
Coriander leaves -3 tsp (chopped)
Curry leaves - 8-10
Tamarind - 1tsp (soaked in water and crushed)
Water - 4-5 cups.
Salt to taste.

Spices:
Red chilly powder - 1sp
Coriander powder - 1tsp
Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
Coriander seeds - 1/2 tsp
Asafoetida (hing) - 1/8tsp
Black Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp
Fenugreek seeds (methi) - 1tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/2tsp
Oil - 3-5 tbsps.
(Instead of this spices, sambhar masala can be used too).


Method:

1. Soak the daal for 20 minutes.
2. Drain and add 2 cups of water .
3. Pressure cook it for 5-8 minutes after the pressure is reached ( some 4 whistles approximately).
4. Heat oil in a vessel or big kadai.
5. Add the methi seeds and saute till light brown.
6. Remove the seeds and let them cool. Grind it in a grinder to make powder.
7. Its better to keep this powder in hand always and stored in airtight container. This adds taste and aroma to the sambhar.
8. In a vessel, heat 2 tbsp of oil on medium heat.
9. When the oil gets hot, add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, curry leaves, chillies, and all the spices and stir fry for 2 minutes.
10. Add all the vegetables and stir fry for 2 minutes.
11. Add the cooked toor daal and salt. Stir for a minute. Add the tamarind (only the pulp) and mix well and stir for 2-3 minutes.
12. Add water to this and bring it to boil for some 10-15 minutes.
13. Garnish with coriander leaves and remove from heat.
14. Serve hot with steamed rice or idli.

Making Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 5 persons

Shelflife : 1 day.

Note:

• If needed Sambhar can be made thick as per preference. Just add some coconut blended or grinded with some water to this sambhar. Its only makes it thick but also makes tasty.
• Sambhar masala can be used instead of spices( Refer Masala sections for sambhar masala powder).

Click here to know all about Tamil Nadu cuisines- Introduction To Tamil Nadu Cuisines And Recipes.