Brinjal sambar

(Kathirikkai sambar or vankaya sambar)

(South Indian vegetarian recipe)

Brinjal sambar ingredients:

• 1 cup toor dhal
• 1/4 kg brinjal
• small lemon size tamarind
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 1 tomato (chopped)
• 3 tbsp sambar powder
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• a pinch of asafoetida
• salt to taste
• few coriander leaves for garnishing

Seasoning ingredients:

• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
• 3 tbsp oil

Vankaya sambar or kathirikkai sambar recipe:

• Wash the dhal and pressure cook for 3 whistles.
• Soak the tamarind in water for 10 mins and squeeze the juice and keep aside.
• Cut the brinjal into 3" lengthwise pieces and put in water.
• Now heat a deep pan with oil and add mustard seeds.
• When they start to pop add cumin seeds, fenugreek and curry leaves.
• Saute for few seconds.
• Add sliced onions and saute for 5 mins.
• Add chopped tomatoes and saute till the tomatoes become juicy.
• Add brinjal pieces and salt.
• Now close with a lid and cook on low flame till the brinjal pieces become tender.
• Now add sambar powder, chilli powder, coriander powder and turmeric powder, asafoetida and saute for few seconds.
• Now add tamarind juice and allow to boil.
• Then add cooked and mashed toor dhal and mix well.
• Add required amount water and adjust salt.
• Cook on low flame for 5-10 mins.
• Finally garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
• Serve kathirikkai sambar with plain white rice and potato roast.

prep time: 15 mins

cooking time: 20 mins

serves: 4-5