Sambar

Ingredients

• 250 g lentils red yellow
• 0.5 tsp turmeric 
• 1 tbsp tamarind paste 
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil 
• 2 small shallots finely chopped
• 0.5 tsp asafetida 
• 0.5 tsp ground fenugreek 
• 0.5 tsp mustard seeds shopping list black
• 10  curry leaves 
• 7 small chilies dried red
• 140 g green beans trimmed cut in half

Equipment

• frying pan

Directions

1. Place the lentils in a large pan with 400ml water.
2. Add turmeric and tamarind and boil for 25-30 mins until very soft.
3. 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.
4. Boil another pan of salted water and cook the beans for 4 mins until tender, then drain well.
5. Once the lentils are cooked, add the shallot spice mix and the beans, stir well and add more seasoning if necessary.