MYSORE SAARU (Sambhar)

Saaru or Sambhar is staple dish of south India served with rice,side dishes,papads and salads, simple and delicious.There are thousands of recipes for sambar powder which are used to make this lentil soup.This recipe would be from my native city of Mysore as my grandmother made it.You can use any kind vegetables you like.

YOU NEED:
1 Cup Tuar Dal(Red Lentils)
8-10 Pearl Onions,
2 Tomatoes
Salt
1 tbsp Tamarind Juice
Cilantro

TO Roast and Powder:
2 tbsp Coriander Seeds
2 tbsp Tuar Dal
1 tsp poppy seeds
1 tsp Cumin Seeds
1 tsp Raw Rice
1 tsp Mustard Seeds
2 Dry Red Chillies
1/2 tsp Fenugreek Seeds
1 tsp Pepper Corns
2 tbsp Dry dessicated Coconut
1" Cinnamon( Indian Dalchini)
1/4 tsp Turmeric

TEMPER:
1 tsp Oil
1 tsp Mustard Seeds
1 tsp Cumin Seeds
Curry Leaves
1 dry red chilli
1/4 tsp Asafoetida

METHOD:
1. Roast and powder all the spices given,keep aside.This is Saaru powder.Use as much as you need and you can store the rest in a dry bottle.
2. Cook dal,pearl Onions,tomatoes.
3. Heat oil, add all ingredients for tempering.When mustard crackles,add 2 tbsp Sambar powder,tamarind juice,salt.
4. Add cookes dal and vegs and simmer gently.
Garnish with cilantro and some ghee (Clarified Butter).
5. Serve with rice , papad and a side dish.

SERVE WITH CARROT SALAD:


Here is a very simple,tasty and nutritious carrot salad which goes well with any Rice dishes as a side dish.

You Need:
2 cups chopped baby carrots.
Cilantro
Lemon slices

To season:
1/4tsp Mustard seeds
1/2tsp Urad dal
1 chopped green chilli or red chilli flakes
1/2 small onions,finely chopped(optional)

How to:
1. Chop about 2cups baby carrots into 1/2" rounds and keep aside.
2. Heat 1tsp oil, add 1/4 tsp mustard seeds,1 tsp Urad dal,1 green chilli chopped.
3. Add onion if you like,fry until soft and add chopped carrots,stir-fry until almost cooked.
4. Add salt and cilantro.Serve with lemon slices or squeeze lemon juice before serving.


AND RICE:





Enjoy the nutritious and tasty meal!:)