Bakshala charu / chana dal rasam

Ingredients :

Chana dal : 1 cup

tamarind : 1/2 inch piece

oil : 1 tsp

mustard seeds : 1 /2 tsp

cumin seeds : 1/2 tsp

red chillies : 2

red chilli powder : 1/4 tsp

turmeric : a pinch

sugar / jaggery : 1 tsp powdered

salt : as per taste

First pressure cook the chana dal with 2 cups water for about one whistle in a pressure cooker. Separate the chana dal and the water. Use the dal for any other curry. Now in a pan heat the oil and add the mustard seeds. Allow them to crackle. Now add in the cumin seeds, red chillies curry leaves and turmeric. Add the water and tamarind and bring it to a boil. Add the chilli powder, sugar and salt. After 5 minutes switch off the stove. Serve with rice. Tastes heavenly.

Note : u can also add the onions in the tempering if u wish but the taste differs. It is nice without the onions only.