Lentil Curry - ಅವರೇಕಾಳು ಸಾರು

This is a savory South Indian dish from the state of Karnataka. A long-time favorite !

Preparation time: 20-25 minutes

Serves: 2-3 people

You will need:

1. Deskinned Papdi lilva (ಅವರೇಕಾಳು):100-150 gms
2. Oil - 1 tsp
3. Asafoetida/Hing: a pinch
4. Coriander Seeds ( ಕೊತಮ್ಬ್ರಿ ಬೀಜ ) : 2 tspn
5. Red chillies (preferably badgi) : 7-8
6. Pepper Seeds : 8-10
7. Cumin Seeds : 1 tsp
8. Cinnamon Stick/Dalchini/ಚಕ್ಕೆ : 1 inch approx.
9. Rice - 1 tsp
10. Coconut (wet/dry) - 1 cup
11. Tamarind paste - 1 tspn
12. Salt

To cook:

• Boil the lilva beans in a pressure cooker with some salt and keep it aside
• In a skillet, add all the ingredients (nos. 2-9) preferably in that order and roast until you can smell the aroma of the spices
• Once roasted, grind all the ingredients along with  the coconut and tamarind paste. Add some water to get a chutney-like consistency
• In a separate pot, add the boiled avarekalu and the above ground paste. 
• Add water and bring to boil.

For tempering:
Once boiled, temper it with oil/ghee, hing, mustard seeds and cumin seeds

Serve Hot with Rice!

Lentil Curry

Tip: For a better aroma and flavour, temper the curry with ghee instead of oil.