Sambar

Ingredients

• 250g red or yellow lentil
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp tamarind paste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 small shallots, finely chopped
• ½ tsp ground asafoetida
• ½ tsp ground fenugreek
• ½ tsp black mustard seeds
• 10 curry leaves
• 7 small dried red chillies
• 140g green bean, trimmed and cut in half

Preparation

Serves 4

1. Place the lentils in a large pan with 400ml water. Add turmeric and tamarind and boil for 25-30 mins until very soft.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan and gently fry the shallots for 8-10 mins. When softened, add the spices, curry leaves, chillies and a good pinch of salt. Cook for another 2 mins, until fragrant.
3. Boil another pan of salted water and cook the beans for 4 mins until tender, then drain well.
4. Once the lentils are cooked, add the shallot spice mix and the beans, stir well and add more seasoning if necessary.