South Indian Sambar

Method

1. 1

   Cook the dal

   Pressure-cook the toor dal with turmeric and enough water for 3–4 whistles until soft. Whisk smooth.

2. 2

   Cook the vegetables

   Simmer the mixed vegetables in a separate pot with a little water until just tender, about 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Add tamarind and spice

   Stir the tamarind pulp and sambar powder into the vegetables, and simmer 5 minutes until the raw tamarind smell cooks off.

4. 4

   Combine with dal

   Add the cooked dal to the vegetable mixture, season with salt, and simmer together for 8–10 minutes.

5. 5

   Temper and finish

   Heat the oil in a small pan, add mustard seed, curry leaves, dried chillies and asafoetida, and fry until they crackle. Pour over the sambar and serve hot.