CHEATER'S SAMBAR (Lentil and Vegetable Curry) While the classic Sambar recipe has a teaspoon or two of Sambar Masala - a classic South Indian spice mixture - this is the lazy man's version of this delicious dish from the South West of India. Classic Sambar can be a thick curried stew filled with vegetables, a meal to itself, or made runny in a soup or dhal version spooned over rice or served as a side dish. If you have Sambar Masala, add a teaspoon or two to this recipe, if not, this is still a winner. A great meal for a cold night. Ingredients: 1½ cups yellow or red lentils (parupoo or masur dhal) 2½ cups water 1 tsp chopped garlic 1 tsp turmeric powder 2 slices fresh ginger 5 shallots, chopped or ½ medium red onion 1 fresh green chilli, sliced ½ tsp salt 1 Tbsp oil, ghee or butter ¼ cup tamarind water 1 tsp brown mustard seeds 2 dried red chillies broken into 1 inch lengths, seeds removed 1 sprig fresh curry leaves ¼ cup thick coconut milk (optional) Vegetables: 1 big potato quartered 1 carrot sliced thickly 4 small okra (ladies' fingers) 1 small eggplant, quartered 8 green beans, cut into 1" inch lengths 1 tomato quartered Method: 1. Soak lentils for 1 hour, rinse and put into a pot with ginger, garlic, shallots, salt, oil, turmeric and water. Bring to a boil and simmer until lentils are soft. 2. Add vegetables and cook until soft, adding a little more water if necessary. 3. Add tamarind water to the pot. 4. Heat oil and gently fry mustard seeds, chillies, curry leaves and shallots for 2 - 3 minutes and then add to lentils and vegetables. 5. Add coconut milk and bring to a boil. 6. Remove from heat and serve.