Tiffin Sambar

Tiffin sambar is a must when amma prepares idli, dosa, pongal or urad dal vada. I love it so much with these dishes that I don't even need chutney when this sambar is on the table. Needless to say, this is the first dish I prepare if I'm planning to have idli or dosa for breakfast. I don't use any vegetables in the preparation. You can add potato or drumstick if you wish (Tamil style).

Ingredients

Toor Dal / Yellow Pigeon Peas: 2 cups

Tomato: 2; roughly chopped

Tamarind Juice: as per taste

Turmeric Paste: 1/4 teaspoon

Sambar Powder: 2 teaspoons

Red Chilli Powder: as per taste

Garlic Flakes: 6; crush roughly

Shallots: few; crush roughly (you can substitute with finely sliced onion)

Mustard Seeds: 1/2 teaspoon

Cumin Seeds: 1/4 teaspoon

Asafoetida: 1 big pinch

Curry Seeds: 1 twig

Coriander Leaves: 1 tablespoon finely chopped leaves

Salt: as per taste

Oil: 1 tablespoon



Instructions

1. Pressure cook toor dal, turmeric powder and chopped tomato til dal is completely cooked.

2. Remove from heat; add salt, sambar powder, chilli powder and tamarind juice.

3. Heat oil in a wok. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add asafoetida and curry leaves. Saute for few seconds.

4. Add crushed garlic flakes and shallots. Saute for a minute. Add cooked dal along with chopped corainder leaves.

5. Add water till you get required consistency. Combine well and cook for 20 minutes in medium flame. Serve  hot with idli or dosa or pongal and urad dal vada