Kerala Style Sambar

Sambar is a lentil based dish common in South India. In Kerala the Sambar would contain different vegetables, which is similar to avial recipe. During one of our potlucks, one of my friend made this recipe and it tasted something similar to my mom makes. So instead of making an ISD call to get the recipe, I got the recipe from my friend. Here goes the recipe!!

What you need

• Vegetables: Cooked potatoes, egg plant, drumstick, okra, and carrot (You can add any veggies you like)
• Lime Size tamarind soaked in warm water
• 1 cup toor dal pressure cooked with turmeric, mash the dal to a smooth paste.
  

Sambar Masala

• Sauté handful of coriander seeds (4-5 tsp of coriander seeds), asafetida, and 4-5 red chilies in a pan without oil and keep aside. In the same pan sauté 4-5 tsp of shredded coconut until it turns to brown color.
  
• Grind coriander seeds, asafetida, red chilies, coconut, and 1 tomato into a paste.
  

Method

• In a pan add oil; sauté mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves.
• Add handful of chopped shallots or pearl onions and sauté until it turns translucent.
  
• Add the vegetable and little water and cover cook them for few minutes .Add the tamarind water and cook for few minutes.
  
• Add the boiled potatoes, cooked dal, and sambar masala paste.
  
• Mix everything and add required salt for taste. Cook in Medium heat for another 10 minutes and turn off the heat.
  
• You can also add red chili powder as per your taste before cooking.

Serve hot with rice, idly, and dosa.