Araichuvitta Vengaya Sambar (Onion Sambar with freshly ground Spices)
Sambar can be described as the wonder recipe of Tamilnadu. This Onion sambar has a very special place in Tamilnadu cuisine. From early days it is served to guests and made on special occasions. Onion sambhar made with fresh roasted spices gives a unique taste and Onion sambar with potato curry is the best combo lunch of Tamilnadu. Onion sambhar can be had with rice, dosa, idli, vada, pongal and Uppma.
Ingredients for making Onion Sambhar:
Coriander seeds 1 1/2 table spoon
Fenugreek 1/2 tea spoon
Red chillies 5
Cumin seeds 1/4 tea spoon
Coconut 1 table spoon
Ghee 1 1/2 tea spoon
Tamarind juice extracted from a small lemon size tamarind
Green chillies slitted 2
Shallots (Small Onions) 15
Chopped tomato 1
Well boiled thur dhal 1 cup
Oil 2 tea spoons for saueting
Method for making Onion Sambhar:
Heat a pan with ghee and fry coriander seeds, fenugreek and red chillies to brown colour. After they get cooled grind with the coconut to coarse paste. Don't grind to smooth paste.
Boil the Thur dhal with turmeric powder in a pressure cooker and keep aside.
Heat a kadai. Add 2 teaspoons of oil. Suate it with mustard seeds and fry onions, green chillies and tomatoes for a minute.
Now pour the tamarind juice into the kadai. Add salt and turmeric powder. Allow it to boil till onions become soft.
Now add the boiled dhal and allow it to boil well.
Finally add the ground spices paste and mix well.Let it boil for 3 minutes. Garnish with curry leaves and coriander leaves and serve.