Drumstick Saaru

Method

1. 1

   Prepare drumstick: Wash 5-6 drumstick pods. Scrape lightly. Cut into 2-inch pieces. Boil in half cup water with a pinch of turmeric until tender. Save cooking water.

2. 2

   Cook toor dal: Wash 3 tbsp toor dal. Pressure cook for 4 whistles. Mash smooth and thin with water.

3. 3

   Soak tamarind: Soak marble-sized tamarind in half cup warm water. Extract and strain.

4. 4

   Combine: In a pan add tamarind water, drumstick cooking water, mashed dal water and 1.5 cups more water.

5. 5

   Add spice powders: Add half tsp turmeric, 1 tsp rasam powder, 1 tsp red chilli powder and salt.

6. 6

   Add cooked drumstick: Add the tender drumstick pieces.

7. 7

   Bring to boil: Cook on medium heat. Bring to a rolling boil.

8. 8

   Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer 8-10 minutes.

9. 9

   Make tempering: Heat 2 tbsp ghee. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds — when they pop add asafoetida, curry leaves and 1 dried red chilli.

10. 10

    Serve: Pour tempering into saaru. Garnish with coriander. Drumstick saaru has a nutty sweetness. Serve over steamed rice.