Sambar Masala

Recipe for Sambar using Roopak's Sambar Masala:

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
• 2 Cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, drumsticks, okra, and eggplant), chopped
• 2 Tomatoes, chopped
• 1 Onion, chopped
• 2-3 Green chilies, slit
• 1 Tablespoon tamarind paste
• 1 Tablespoon Roopak's Sambar Masala
• 1/2 Teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 Tablespoon oil
• 1 Teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 Teaspoon cumin seeds
• A Pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• A Few curry leaves
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Water as needed

Instructions:

• Rinse the toor dal thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes.
• Pressure cook the soaked toor dal with 2 cups of water until soft and mushy.
• In a separate pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
• Add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds.
• Add chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until onions turn translucent.
• Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
• Add mixed vegetables, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir well.
• Add tamarind paste and Roopak's Sambar Masala. Mix everything together.
• Pour in 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the vegetables cook until tender.
• Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked toor dal to the pot. Stir well to combine.
• Let the sambar simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Adjust salt and spices if needed.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with rice or idli/dosa.