Karnataka saaru/huli — drumstick saaru thin broth or sambar made with drumstick pods.
Ingredients
- drumstick pods
- Small tamarind ball
- 2 tomatoes
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1.5 tsp saaru pudi (saaru powder)
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ghee
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander
Method
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.
Cook toor dal: Wash 3 tbsp toor dal. Pressure cook for 4 whistles. Mash smooth and thin with water.
Soak tamarind: Soak marble-sized tamarind in half cup warm water. Extract and strain.
Combine: In a pan add tamarind water, drumstick cooking water, mashed dal water and 1.5 cups more water.
Add spice powders: Add half tsp turmeric, 1 tsp rasam powder, 1 tsp red chilli powder and salt.
Add cooked drumstick: Add the tender drumstick pieces.
Bring to boil: Cook on medium heat. Bring to a rolling boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer 8-10 minutes.
Make tempering: Heat 2 tbsp ghee. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds — when they pop add asafoetida, curry leaves and 1 dried red chilli.
Serve: Pour tempering into saaru. Garnish with coriander. Drumstick saaru has a nutty sweetness. Serve over steamed rice.