Quick and Easy Sambhar My Mother's Style

This is how my mommy dearest makes sambhar.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 7

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup  split red gram
• 1  large potato, peeled and cubed (must)
• 1  medium tomatoes, peeled and quartered (must)
• 1  eggplant, decrowned and cubed (optional)
• 3  onions, peeled and cubed (must)
• 1  cup  cubed bottlegourd, skin peeled (optional)
• 4  green chilies
• 6  pieces  vegetable drumsticks, halved (optional)
• 4  cups water
• 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric powder
•  salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon asafoetida powder
• 1  tablespoon red chili powder, to taste
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons coriander powder
• 1⁄4 cup tamarind pulp
• 1  teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons  oil
• 4  curry leaves
• 3  red chili peppers
•  chopped cilantro, for garnishing

Directions

1. Take a pressure cooker and pour the water in it.
2. Put all the veggies (except the drum sticks and the leaves) turmeric salt and the asafoetida.
3. Pressure cook until one whistle or for 10 minutes.
4. Let it cool down.
5. Remove the lid and put it back on fire.
6. Add in the drumsticks.
7. When the drumsticks are cooked, add the tamarind pulp, chili powder and coriander powder-- add water as per the consistency required.
8. Let it boil for 5 6 minutes, remove and keep aside.
9. Heat oil in a small wok-- and crackle mustard, throw in the curry leaves and dried red chillies, pour this over the sambhar.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro-- Serve with steamed rice-- and of course with idlis!