Friday, February 6, 2009

My Granma's special Sambar.. a family favorite!!

Masala (main part!!)
  1. Asafoetida (solid, not powder.. this gives real flavor) - small piece
  2. Fenugreek seeds (Vendhayam) – 1 tsp
  3. Coriander seeds (Malli)– a handful
  4. Red chilli long dry – 5 to 6
  5. Grated Coconut – a handful
  6. Curry leaf
Heat 1 tsp cooking oil in a tava.
Keep heat in sim n fry masala nicely & patiently, in the order indicated.
Fry items 1&2 for a minute. Then add items 3&4 and fry for 2 mins. Now add items 5&6, fry till coconut slightly browns. Follow this order. Do not allow any ingredient to get burnt.
If the masala is fried patiently till it gets reddish colour and without any ingredient getting burnt, the sambar would be just perfect !!

Cool & grind into fine paste.

Preparation:
Cook 1 cup Tuvar dal. (can keep on top of rice itself in cooker)

Heat some oil in a vessel and add small onions (shallots) and fry till light brown.
Add vegetables (Drum stick / Radish / Pumpkin / Ladies finger) also & fry lightly.
Add cooked dal & 2 chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder & salt.
Boil well till vegetables get cooked.
Now add Tamarind water (1 lemon size tamarind) and allow to boil well.
Add ground masala & cook till raw flavor of masala goes away.

Remove & season with some mustard and curry leaf.
Enjoy your sambar with hot rice .... ;)

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