Thursday, April 7, 2011

Dosakai (lemon cucumber) Sambar (Pappu Charu) - Quick version

Its been a month since I have updated my blog. Really have been busy with kids and work.(I know I shouldn't blame kids/work ;) ). But to make up for this delay I am writing about this quick Sambar recipe which can be made with different vegetables. This is the quick version sambar with Dosakai (lemon cucumber).

Ingredients:

Toor dal- 1cup
Turmeric- pinch
Ginger garlic paste -1tsp
Tomato -1
Tamarind- Small lemon size
Onion-1
Green chillies- 6-7
Red chilli powder- 1tsp
Salt -as per taste
Dosakai -1 
Methi leaves- Half bunch
Dhaniya powder -1 tsp
Jilakara Menthula podi (Fenugreek & cumin seeds Powder)-pinch

For tadka:
Oil - 3 tbsp
Jeera- 1tsp
Mustard seeds -1tsp
Red chillies-3-4
Curry leaves- 5-6
Hing- pinch

Pressure cook toor dal with pinch of turmeric for 5-6 whistles. Mash dal properly.

Cut onions,Dosakai in to big pieces.

Add slit green chillies, onions, dosakai, chilli powder, Jilakara Menthula podi, salt, ginger garlic paste, tomato and methi leaves.





Squeeze tamarind pulp and add it to the mix..



Tip: To squeeze tamarind pulp quickly, take tamarind in mocrowave safe bowl, add water and microwave it for a minute. Tamarind becomes mushy and becomes easier to squeeze pulp.

Presuure cook the entire mix for 1 whistle.

When the pressure is off, take the lid and let the sambar boil for few more minutes.



Take a small pan, heat oil and add ingredients for tadka and add it to sambar.

Garnish with Cilantro.

Enjoy with white rice or with Idli.