Sambar

Sambar is an most integral part of South Indian food, without this no meal will be complete and you cant even imagine Dosa/Idly without sambar. Its an multi purpose dish which can be served for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. So many times I'll first prepare Sambar and later I'll decide what should go along with it. Here I have used mixed vegetables, you can use any vegetable of your choice.

Ingredients: 1cup Pressure cooked Toor Dal
                    1cup chopped mixed vegetables(Brinjal/Drumstick/Potato)
                    2 Tomatoes finely chopped
                    1 Small Onion finely chopped
                    1tbsp Garlic paste
                    1/4cup Tamarind paste
                    1tsp Sambar Powder
                    1tsp Red chili powder
                    1tsp Dhania powder(coriander seeds powder)
                    1/4tsp Turmeric powder
                    2tsp oil
                    1tsp Mustard seeds
                    1tbsp curry leaves
                    a pinch of asafoetida
                    Salt to taste

Method: 1)In a vessel add cooked toor dal, mixed vegetables, tomatoes, tamarind paste, sambar powder                   red chili powder, dhania powder, turmeric powder, salt and cook till the vegetables are soft.
              2)Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and when they splutter add curry leaves, asafoetida and
                 fry for 30secs, now add onions, garlic and fry till the onions turn pink. Add this to the above
                 mixture and cook for 5mins.
              3)Serve hot with Rice/Idly/Dosa/Pongal.

See Also: Mallige Idly
                Masala Dosa
                Open Dosa
                Ven Pongal