Vengaya Sambar (Sambar with Onions)

This is an extremely delicious Sambar which is wonderful with plain rice,Idlis or Dosas.It is made with Mini Onions or Shallots or what we call Madras Onions.I did not get Madras Onions so made them with normal Onions sliced in quarters!The grated coconut and curry leaves give an aroma tantalizing to the senses.Lets make this Sambar now:

Preparation Time – 1 hour

Makes – 4-5 servings

INGREDIENTS

Approx 25 Mini Onions/Madras Onions – peeled and cleaned/4 – 5 bog Onions quartered and pieces separated

4 tsp refined Oil

1/3 cup Tuvar Dal/Toor Dal/Arhar Dal

A lime sized ball of Tamarind soaked in hot water

1 tsp Turmeric Powder(Haldi)

2 tbsp Sambar Masala(store bought/homemade)

Salt to taste

2-3 curry leaves

For the Coconut Paste:

1/2 cup grated Coconut/Desiccated Coconut (soaked in 2  tbsp hot water)

2 dried red chilies

1 tbsp Chana Dal

1 tsp Coriander Seeds(Sabut Dhania)

7-8 Fenugreek Seeds(Methi Dana)

For the tempering:

1 tbsp Ghee

2 dried red chilies

1 tsp Mustard Seeds(Rai)

1/2 tsp Fenugreek Seeds(Methi Dana)

A pinch of Asafoetida

3-4 curry leaves

METHOD

Heat 2 tsp Refined Oil and fry the Onions till translucent.Boil the Tuvar Dal till it is cooked and mashed.

For the Coconut Paste:

Heat the remaining 2 tsp Oil and fry the dried red chilies,chana dal,coriander and fenugreek seeds on low heat till fragrant and rosy.Keep aside to cool.

Now after cooling grind this along with the coconut to a fine paste.

For the Sambar:

Extract approx 3 cups Tamarind juice.Add salt,turmeric powder and 1 tbsp Sambar powder,curry leaves and the fried onions.Boil on medium heat till the Onions are tender.

Add the Coconut paste to the mix and stir well.Add the mashed Tuvar Dal and mix again.Boil for 5-6 minutes.

Heat the ghee and add the Mustard Seeds,dried red chilies and fenugreek seeds.When Mustard Seeds pop add the Asafoetida and curry leaves.Pour the tempering on the Sambar and mix very well to amalgamate.

Take off heat and keep covered for all flavors to infuse.

Serve hot with Rice with an accompaniment like Potato Podimas or with Idli or Dosa.