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Dinner with Rukmini

Browse all of the recipes in Rukmini Iyer’s cookbooks by ingredient.

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Sambhar

Introduction

This is one of the most traditional South Indian dals, with just a few spices and tamarind as a seasoning. I like the version with shallots and carrots best, as that’s the one my mum makes the most often from my grandmother’s recipe – it’s perfect served with dosas or just with plain white rice or flatbreads. The tuvar dal lentils are readily available in Asian shops or online, and give the sambhar its characteristic texture. If you can’t find sambhar powder you can use the combination of ground coriander and chilli powder below.

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Ingredients

tuvar (toor) dal lentils, rinsed well
red split lentils, rinsed well
tamarind paste
shallots, peeled and halved
carrot, peeled and sliced into ½cm pieces
fresh curry leaves
Storecupboard:
sea salt flakes
ground turmeric
sambhar powder, or 2 tsp ground coriander and 1–2 tsp mild chilli powder
asafoetida
neutral or olive oil
mustard seeds

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From the book: India Express: Simple and Delicious Recipes for Every Day

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