Sambar (indian dhal curry)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup yellow dhal/lentils
• 1 radish (300 g - remove skin and cut into chunks)
• 8 small shallots (remove skin)
• 6 cloves garlic (remove skin and crushed lightly)
• 1 medium size tomato (cut into 8 pieces)
• 7 dried whole red chillies
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 1/2 tablespoons plain chilly powder (or as your prefer)
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron/kunyit powder
• 3 tablespoons thick tamarind juice
• 1 sprig curry leaf
• 1 stalk coriander leaf (sliced)
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 1 litre water
• salt to taste