Simple Sambar

There is nothing as such to talk about Sambar, a typical South Indian staple. So yes, let's get straight into my Sambar.

Ingredients:

1)Toor Dal - 1/2 cup

2)Tomato - 1(chopped)

3)Small Onions or Shallots - 4(cut into 2 halves)

4)Green Chilli - 1(slit)

5)Drumstick - 1(cut)

6)Carrot - 1(chopped)

7)Curry leaves - a sprig

8)Okra - 3(cut)

9)Tamarind pulp - size of small lemon(soaked in lukewarm water for 15 minutes)

10)Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp

11)Sambar Powder - 1.5 tsp (I used Shakti Sambar Powder)

12)Ghee - 0.5 tsp

13)Oil - 1 tsp

14)Salt - to taste

15)Asafetida - a pinch

16)Mustard and Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp each

17)Whole red chilli - 1(crushed) - Optional

Preparation:

1)Soak dal in water for 30 minutes.

2)In a pressure cooker, add dal, small onion, green chilli, tomato, carrot, turmeric powder, salt, asafetida and add required amount of water.(Let it cook for 4 whistles)

3)Heat oil in a pan, add mustard, cumin seeds, crushed red chilli, curry leaves and saute for couple of seconds.

4)Add the cut okra and saute until it cooks.

5)Add the content from the pressure cooker and mix well. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

6)Add Sambar Powder and mix well. Let it cook for 2 more minutes.

7)Add tamarind water and mix well. Let it cook for 2 minutes. Add half tsp of ghee and mix well.

Sambar goes very well with rice, dosa and idli. But, I don't mind having phulkas with Sambar.