Monday, April 24, 2006

10 minute sambar, really!



This is a very easy sambar for dosa and idli. It is very flavorful but there is no hassle of cooking dal separately. The sambar is thickened with dalia powder. The taste is at its best with pearl onions but any sweetish onion can be used.

Ten minute sambar

1/2 cup sliced onion or about 15-20 pearl onions, peeled and halved
3 large tomatoes, finely chopped
1 T coriander powder mixed with 1/2 tsp usual sambar powder
2 tsp red chili powder
salt
1/2 tsp sugar or jaggery (optional)

Powder fine: 1 1/2 T dalia (pottukadalai)

Heat 1/2 tsp oil. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and curry leaves and let splutter. Add the onions and saute until softened on medium-low heat (not browned). If the onions are not very soft, it will have an unpleasant texture since we don't simmer this as much as normal sambar. Add tomatoes, chili powder, sambar powder, coriander powder and saute till soft and saucy. Now add about 3-4 cups water, turmeric, salt and sugar and let it simmer on high for 5 min. Lastly, mix in dalia powder and let it go for a minute more. Turn off stove and serve garnished with cilantro.

4 comments:

  1. Mika, I thought dalia was the term for broken wheat? Btw, I love the idea of 10-minute sambar. Yum!

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  2. Hi Shammi- Yes both are called dalia (or thats what I have noticed).

    Raniandraja- Tamarind would be great but reduce tomatoes.

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  3. mika, wow this sambhar is really quick and without no dal and tamarind:) will give a try soon!!

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  4. It looks yummy, but it's still easier to invite myself over to an Indian friend's house. =)

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