Ragi Dosa, Vegetable Sambar and Coriander Chutney

Ingredients

• 1 cup Toor Dal (rinsed thoroughly)
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 5 cup Water (divided, adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 pc Drumstick (cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 1 medium Carrot (peeled and cubed)
• 0.5 cup Pumpkin (peeled and cubed)
• 0.5 cup Green Beans (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 0.75 cup Pearl Onions (peeled)
• 2 medium Tomato (chopped)
• 2 pcs Green Chili (slit lengthwise)
• 1.5 tbsp Tamarind Paste (dissolved in 1/2 cup warm water)
• 3 tbsp Sambar Powder (use a good quality brand)
• 1.5 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp Jaggery (powdered, optional but recommended)
• 2 tbsp Sesame Oil (also known as gingelly oil)
• 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 0.5 tsp Urad Dal
• 0.25 tsp Fenugreek Seeds
• 2 pcs Dried Red Chili (broken in half)
• 0.25 tsp Hing (asafoetida)
• 1 sprig Curry Leaves
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (freshly chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Pressure Cook the Dal

   • Place the rinsed toor dal in a pressure cooker. Add 2.5 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
   • Secure the lid and pressure cook on medium heat for 4-5 whistles, or approximately 15 minutes, until the dal is completely soft and mushy.
   • Allow the pressure to release naturally. Open the cooker and whisk the dal vigorously until it is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. 2

   Cook the Vegetables

   • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
   • Add the harder vegetables: drumsticks, carrots, and green beans. Cook for 5-6 minutes.
   • Add the softer vegetables: pearl onions, pumpkin, and chopped tomatoes. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until all vegetables are tender but still hold their shape.
3. 3

   Combine and Simmer

   • Pour the cooked, mashed dal into the pot with the vegetables. Stir to combine.
   • Add the tamarind water (paste dissolved in 1/2 cup warm water), sambar powder, salt, and jaggery. Mix well.

Ingredients

• 2 cup Coriander Leaves (Packed, with tender stems included)
• 0.5 cup Mint Leaves (Packed)
• 2 pcs Green Chili (Adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 inch Ginger (Peeled and roughly chopped)
• 2 clove Garlic (Optional, for a pungent flavor)
• 2 tbsp Roasted Chana Dal (Acts as a thickener, also known as Dalia)
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (Can be lightly toasted for deeper flavor)
• 0.75 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tsp Sugar (Optional, to balance flavors)
• 3 tbsp Ice Cold Water (As needed for grinding)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Herbs (3 minutes): Thoroughly wash the coriander and mint leaves under cold running water. Drain well. Include the tender coriander stems as they are packed with flavor. Roughly chop the herbs.

2. 2

   Load the Blender (2 minutes): In a high-speed blender or a small grinder jar, combine the washed coriander, mint leaves, green chilies, peeled ginger, garlic (if using), roasted chana dal, cumin seeds, salt, sugar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

3. 3

   Blend to a Smooth Paste (4 minutes): Secure the lid and blend the ingredients. Add 1 tablespoon of ice-cold water at a time, only as needed, to help the blades move and achieve a smooth consistency. Scrape down the sides of the jar periodically to ensure everything is blended evenly. Avoid adding too much water.

4. 4

   Taste and Serve (1 minute): Transfer the chutney to a serving bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary—add more salt for flavor, lemon juice for tang, or a pinch of sugar to balance the heat. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.