416: Pumpkin Sambhar/ Poosanikai Sambhar

South Indian meal is incomplete without Sāmbhar. Though I already posted few Sāmbhar recipes, I want to post one more Sāmbhar recipe.   Make delicious Pumpkin Sambar using this simple recipe from  My Madappalli.

Ingredients  

 Chopped Red Pumpkins               2 cups
Tovar Dhal                                  1/2 cup   

Chopped Green chilies                 2 Nos

Tamarind                                    gooseberry sized

Curry leaves                                few

Tomato                                       1 No.

Coriander leaves                         For decoration

Salt                                            To Taste.

To Roast and Grind

 Chenna dhal                              1 Tbsp.

Thuvar dhal                               1 Tbsp.

Fenugreek seeds                       ¼ Tsp.

Urdh dhal                                  1 Tbsp.

Coriander seeds                        1 Tbsp.

Asafetida powder (Kayam)       ½ Tsp.

Red chilies                                6 Nos.

Oil                                            As needed

For Tempering   

Coconut Oil                              1 Tbsp.

Mustard seeds                        1/2 tsp

Dry red chillies                        3 split

Method:

• Pressure cook the  tovar dal,  ½ of pumpkin cubes with turmeric powder and few green chillies with 1½ cups of water until dal is soft for 2-3 whistles. Mash it gently with the back of a spoon and set aside.
• Soak the tamarind in hot water and pureed the juice throwing out the fiber.
• Heat oil in a pan, add the ingredients from "To roast and grind " and fry until the lentils turn brown . Cool them to room temperature and grind to coarse powder.
• Add some chopped tomatoes,green chilies,  ,tamarind juice, 2 tbsp of sambhar powder ,salt to taste and 1 cup of water .
•  Close the pan with a lid and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until its cooks well and leaves out nice aroma.
• Once it cooks well, Add the cooked dal and cubed pumpkins to the mixture and bring it to a boil, and cook till the pumpkin pieces are soft.v Finally check for salt and spices and add accordingly.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a small pan and add the mustard seeds. Once they begin to splutter, add the dry red chillies and curry leaves. Fry well.
• Add this tempering to the pumpkin sambhar.
• Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice.