DHAL SAMBAR / PAPPU CHARU

INGREDIENTS:

Tamarind--------------lemon size

Toor dal----------------1/2 cup of standard measuring cup

Carrot------------------1

Brinjal------------------3 round one

Bottle gourd------------10-15 medium sized chunks

Onion-------------------1 big size

Green chillies------------4 slit

Tomato------------------1 big and ripe

Cumin seeds-------------1 tsp

Mustard seeds-----------1/2 tsp

Turmeric-----------------1/4 tsp

Coriander powder--------1 tsp

Methi powder------------1/4 tsp

Curry leaves-------------few

Coriander leaves---------to garnish

Salt----------------------to taste

Oil-----------------------3 tbp

Sugar/Jaggery-----------as required

DIRECTIONS:

1.Soak tamarind in 1 cup hot water and extract tamarind juice.

2.Wash dal and soak in 3 cups of water for 30 mins.

3.Pressure cook the the soaked dal with water.

4.Heat 3 tbp of oil and add Mustard seeds,Cumin Seeds.

5.Add sliced onions,curry leaves and green chillies.

6.Add the cut vegetables(carrots,brinjal,bottle guard) once the onions are tender.

7.Cook for 8-10 mins with lid closed until the bottlegourd is 3/4th done.

8.Add methi powder,coriander powder,turmeric and mix well.

9.Add the extracted 1 cup tamarind water along with 2 cup of plain water.

10.Add salt and adjust accordingly.

11.Close the lid and cook the vegetables till they are tender.

12Once the vegetables are cooked add cooked dal(i usually grind the cooked and cooled dal so that the dal in sambar is smooth not flaky) to it.

13.Mix well and let it boil for 5-8 mins.

14.Once it comes to boil turn off and garnish with coriander leaves.