Kolamba (Spicy Dal)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup toor dal
• 1 large egg plant, chopped in cubes
• 2-3 Red chillies, chopped
• 1 tbsp Tamarind paste
• 2 tbsp Kholamba powder
• 1 tsp Mustard seeds
• 4-6 Curry leaves
• a pinch of Asafoetida
• 1 tbsp Oil
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Pressure cook dal, mash it and set aside.
2. Place the chopped egg plant in a saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of water, turmeric powder and the sprig of curry leaves, and cook till soft, but not mushy.
3. Add the cooked dal to this vegetable mixture.
4. Add the tamarind paste extract to the Kolamba masala, mix thoroughly and add it to the dal and vegetable mixture. Add more water and adjust to consistency.
5. Add salt to taste, bring it to boil and let simmer on low flame for about 8 minutes.
6. Separately, heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, red chillies, asafoetida and curry leaves.
7. Add this seasoning to the Kolamba. Turn off the gas and cover with lid immediately.
8. Garnish with coriander leaves.
9. Serve with plain rice.