Red Rice, Vegetable Sambar, Egg Bhurji and Appalam

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

• 8 pcs eggs (large)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 pcs onion (medium, finely chopped)
• 2 pcs tomato (medium, finely chopped)
• 2 pcs green chili (finely chopped)
• 1 inch ginger (grated)
• 4 pcs garlic (cloves, minced)
• 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
• 0.75 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp coriander leaves (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Lightly whisk the eggs in a bowl with a pinch of salt and set aside. This helps them cook evenly.

2. 2

   Sauté the aromatics

   • Heat oil in a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
   • Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
3. 3

   Cook the base masala

   • Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and mushy.
   • Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook the masala for 1-2 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
4. 4

   Scramble the eggs

   • Reduce the heat to low and pour the whisked eggs into the pan.
   • Let the eggs sit for about 30 seconds without stirring to let the bottom set slightly.

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Appalam (Plain or pepper variety works well. Check for gluten-free if needed.)
• 2 cup Vegetable Oil (For deep frying. Any neutral oil like sunflower or canola is suitable.)

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat the oil for frying.

   • Pour about 1-2 inches of oil into a kadai or a deep, small pan.
   • Heat the oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes.
   • Test the oil's temperature by dropping a small piece of appalam into it. If it sizzles and rises to the top immediately, the oil is ready.
2. 2

   Fry the appalams one by one.

   • Using tongs, carefully slide one appalam into the hot oil.
   • Gently press it down with a slotted spoon for 2-3 seconds to ensure it cooks evenly.
   • The appalam will puff up and turn a light golden color in about 5-7 seconds. Immediately flip it over.
   • Fry the other side for another 3-5 seconds until it's crisp.
3. 3

   Drain and serve.

   • Quickly remove the appalam from the oil using the tongs, letting excess oil drip back into the pan.
   • Place the fried appalam on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining oil.
   • Repeat the process for all remaining appalams.
   • Serve immediately for the best crispy texture alongside rice and curry.