Simple Carrot Sambar

INGREDIENTS:
   Toor dal - 1 Cup
   Tomato - 1
   Carrot - 2
   Turmeric powder - 1/2 Tsp
   Tamarind extract - 1/4 Cup
   Chilly powder - 1 Tsp
   Sambar powder - 1 Tbsp
   Salt - As needed
   Coriander leaves - Few
To TEMPER:
   Oil - 1 Tbsp
   Mustard - 1 Tsp
   Cumin - 1/2 Tsp
   Shallots - 10
   Green chillies - 2
   Asafoetida - 1/4 Tsp
   Curry leaves - Few

METHOD:

• Pressure cook Toor dal with turmeric and tomato for 4 to 5 whistles and mash it well with a laddle and keep aside.

• Heat oil in a pan and temper with the items given under 'TO TEMPER'  and add it to the dal.

• Then add Tamarind extract, Chilly powder, Sambar powder, Salt and a cup of water and mix well.
• Add chopped Carrots and allow it to boil till the carrot gets cooked well.

• Finally add chopped coriander leaves and switch off.

• Serve hot with white rice.

NOTES:

• You can add a tsp of Ghee while tempering for extra flavour.
• You can replace green chillies with red chillies if you like.

Mango Jam

INGREDIENTS:
   Mango - 2
   Sugar - 1/4 Cup
   Lemon Juice - 1 Tbsp
   Salt - A pinch

METHOD:

• Wash the mangoes and peel the skin and chop it roughly.
• Put the mango pieces and sugar in a mixer and grind it to a smooth paste.

•  Now add mango puree, Lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a nonstick or heavy bottomed pan and allow it to cook.
• Keep stirring till it reaches the jam consistency.

• Switch off and let it cool completely and store in a clean bottle or container.

NOTES:

• Always choose the ripe mangoes and adjust sugar according to the sweetness of mango you use.