Sambar

Ingredients: 2 cups Tuvar dal 1 cup baingan / eggplant, chopped into 2" cubes 1 cup potato, chopped into 1" cubes 2 medium onions, sliced 1 large tomato, chopped

Add any more vegetables you like
1/4 cup lump of tamarind - I use tamarind concentrate
2-3 green chillies
3 tbsps ghee
1 tsp rai / mustard seeds
8-10 curry leaves
4 tbsps Sambar Masala
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Boil the dal / lentils and all vegetables with turmeric, salt and enough water till they are soft - about 20-25 min in a pressure cooker. Mash the vegetables a little. The consistency should be that of a thick soup.

2. Soak tamarind in a small bowl of hot water for 10 minutes. Squeeze well to remove all juice. If using tamarind concentrate, add 1/4 cup water to it and mix well.

3. Add this purée to the dal / lentils cooked earlier. Mix well.

4. Heat ghee in a small pan and add rai, green chillies and curry leaves. Fry till the spluttering stops and add to the boiled lentils. Mix well.

5. Adjust consistency by adding water. Add Sambhar masala. Boil well till you get a nice flavor.

6. Serve hot with Idlis, Dosas or plain boiled rice.