Mysore Sambar

Mysore Sambar. The front door, or back door, or straight door to the other side of sambal/Indian dal curry. Sambar by far? How can sambar not be a popularity amongst Indians for the matter. In fact, our food life is not complete without sambar and walk into whichever Indian eateries, from the high end to the street stalls, sambar will joyously greet you. Point blank, do I have to actually speak any further about sambar? I don't think so because I think I have giving more than enough hints on sambar being the must have, maybe not every day, but at least once a week (Bitter Gourd Sambar or Plain Sambar)? I too am a cooking hero when sambar is a concern. What do you expect.? Indian husbands and their profound love for sambar? Regardless, each time I make sambar, I try to coin another version and this Mysore Sambar has already be trended in my house (Mor Kuzhambu/Yogurt Curry, Cauliflower Curry, Indian Tofu Curry & Indian Vegetable Curry) and there's no limit to the type of lentil/dal you should or can use. I settled for chana dal. The only dal actually instead of a combination of two or three types for an easy interpretation and not eating up into our time in making, plus instead of the usual vegetables you will see swimming in a sambar, its white radish. Having said that, I can assure you that there's no shortcoming for my version of Mysore Sambar. Truly delightful and like, I can get no satisfaction.  

Ingredients

1 cup chana dal - soak for about 1 hour and simmer with enough water to soften.
1 radish - remove skin and cut into medium size pieces
1 (about 100g) tomato - sliced
5 shallots - sliced thinly
1 inch ginger - sliced into thin stripes
1 tbsp coriander powder
1 tsp chilli flakes
1 tsp turmeric/kunyit powder
2 tbsp fresh coconut - pound/blend to a smooth paste
2 sprigs coriander leaves - chopped
1/2 liter of water
4 tbsp oil
Salt for taste

Method:
In heated oil, fry shallots, ginger, garlic, tomato and radish.
Fry to soften and to lightly brown radish.
Add dhal, coriander powder and turmeric powder.
Pour water, simmer and cook till radish and lentils becomes soft.
Stir in chilli flakes, coconut paste and coriander leaves.
Season with salt.
Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove from heat.