Sambhar

Ingredients :

1 cup toor dal (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
4-5 strips tamarind soaked for 5 minutes (paste or pulp may also be used)
1 tbsp. jaggery or sugar
2 tbsp. sambar masala
1/4 tsp. turmeric powder
1 tsp. dhania powder
1 tsp. red chilli powder
1/2 tsp. each cumin and mustard seeds
3 whole red chillies
1 stalk curry leaves
4 onions
1/2 cup pumpkin or bottle gourd boiled and cubed
1 large tomato
1 tbsp. chopped coriander leaves
2-3 flakes garlic
salt to taste
2 tbsp. oil

Method Of Preparation :

Add tamarind, 1/2 tomato & 1 onion chopped, to the dal.
Pressure cook till dal is done very soft. (Approx. 4 whistles)
Remove dal and beat with a whisk or churner till smooth.
Grind to a paste, 1 onion, 1/4 tomato, jaggery, garlic, all dry masalas.
Chop the remaining onion and tomato to medium or fine pieces.
Heat oil, add seeds , curry leaves and allow to splutter.
Add onion, pumpkin, tomato and stir fry for 2 minutes.
Add paste, and cook for further 2 minutes.
Add dal and bring to a boil on high.
Add enough water to get sambar consistency.
Check and adjust masalas as required.
Simmer for 12-15 minutes on low, till the aroma exudes.
Add chopped coriander before serving.
Serve steaming hot with hot idlis, coconut chutney and ghee.

Note:

You may substitute homemade masala with ready made.
But you may even prepare the homemade powder in quantity and store in a clean airtight jar for 6 months.

If using ready made masala, supplement with the following:

1 tsp. dhania seeds, 1 tsp. cumin seeds, 1 stalk curry leaves, 1/2 tsp. methi seeds.
Roasted and ground together with the ingredients for paste.

Making Time: 30 minutes (excluding pressure cooking time)
Serves: 4-5 servings