Name: Lentils with Tamarind and Veggies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 Cup Toor Lentil, washed under running water till water runs clear; 1 tbsp Tamarind, 1 tbsp tamarind seedless paste or boil 1 tbsp seeded tamarind with 1/4 cup water; 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste; 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Powder; 1/2 tsp Turmeric; 1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds; 1 Whole Dry Red Pepper, Optional but recommended; 1/2 Cup Red Onion, very small chopped; 1/2 Cup Tomatoes, Chopped Or 1 tbsp Tomato Paste; 1 Cup Mix Vegetables, Carrots, Eggplant (Brinjal), Radish, Capsicum, Drumsticks, Opo; 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds; 2 tbsp Canola Oil; Salt, as per taste

Step for Recipe - Lentils with Tamarind and Veggies

1. Wash and soak lentils in water for 20 minutes and then boil it with 2 cups of water until half done. Also, if using fresh tamarind, soak it in 1/4 cup boling water. Additional Notes: If using pressure cooker, par cook lentils with 2 cups of water and 1/2 tsp salt. Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid.

2. Heat oil in pan, add cumin seeds (these should start sputtering), add onion and fry till light brown in color (4-5 minutes). Now, add ginger, garlic (fine chopped or paste per availability) Fry for 2 minutes. Add turmeric and red chili powder and fry for a minute. Now add chopped tomatoes and fry till oil separates.

3. Add this mixture to par cooked daal. Also add tamarind water and veggies. Boil till lentils and veggies are fully cooked. Additional Notes: If using pressure cooker, cook for 5 more minutes

4. For additional flavour, heat 1 tbsp oil in pan, add mustard seeds. When these start cracking, add one whole red chilli. Fry for few seconds and then add this hot oil into the cooked lentil. You will love the taste.