Amti

Amti is a popular Maharashtrian lentil curry that is often served with rice. It has a unique blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas), washed and soaked
• 1 small tamarind ball (size of a small lemon), soaked in warm water
• 1 medium-sized tomato, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2-3 dry red chilies
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon goda masala (Maharashtrian spice blend) or garam masala
• 2 tablespoons jaggery or sugar
• Salt to taste
• Chopped coriander leaves for garnish
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Water as needed

For the Amti Masala:

• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2-3 dry red chilies (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 inch ginger, grated

Instructions:

1. Prepare Amti Masala:

   • Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and dry red chilies until fragrant.
   • Grind the roasted spices along with grated coconut and grated ginger into a smooth paste, adding a little water.

2. Cook Toor Dal:

   • Pressure cook the soaked toor dal with turmeric powder until it's soft and mushy. Set aside.

3. Extract Tamarind Pulp:

   • Soak the tamarind in warm water and extract the pulp.

4. Prepare Amti:

   • Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
   • Add dry red chilies and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.

5. Add Tomatoes:

   • Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft.

6. Add Amti Masala:

   • Add the ground Amti masala to the pan. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring continuously.

7. Add Tamarind Pulp:

   • Add the tamarind pulp to the masala mixture. Mix well.

8. Add Cooked Toor Dal:

   • Add the cooked toor dal to the pan. Stir well and bring it to a boil.

9. Add Goda Masala, Jaggery, and Salt:

   • Add goda masala (or garam masala), jaggery, and salt. Adjust the sweetness and salt according to your taste.

10. Simmer:

    • Simmer the Amti on low heat for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

11. Garnish:

    • Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

12. Serve:

    • Amti is ready to be served. Enjoy it with steamed rice.

Amti is known for its unique flavor profile, combining the richness of spices with the sweetness of jaggery and the tanginess of tamarind. Adjust the spice levels and sweetness according to your preference.