Green Tomatoes And Chana Dal/ Bengal Gram

          Today has been a long day, I could sit with my blog only now. Though I had taken the resolution to schedule my posts in advance, not to stay up late, it works only for a week and then I am back to square one, I don't know when I am going to be more organized. Well, coming to today's post, Green Tomatoes With Chana Dal, I had picked up these tomatoes from my vegetable vendor, with not the slightest idea of what I am going to do with it. In fact, I think, this is the first time, I even cooked something with it. I made this dal, using bengal gram and also added some fresh coconut paste for some extra flavor, it went well with both rice and rotis..

Need To Have

• Chana Dal/ Bengal Gram - 1/2 cup
• Green Tomatoes - 2 cups, chopped
• Turmeric Powder - 1/4 teaspoon
• Red Chilly Powder - 1 teaspoon
• Coriander Powder - 2 teaspoons
• Mustard Seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fenugreek Seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
• Curry Leaves - 6
• Chopped Coriander - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste

To Grind

• Grated Coconut - 2 tablespoons
• Fennel Seeds - 1 teaspoon
• White Poppy Seeds - 2 teaspoons

Method

          Grind together all the ingredients given under 'to grind' and keep. Pressure cook the chana dal with the turmeric powder.

          Heat some oil, add the mustard and fenugreek seeds, when it starts spluttering add the tomatoes and mix. Add the salt, chilly and coriander powders, mix for a minute. Now add about a cup of water, cover and cook till the tomatoes are done.

          Now add the cooked dal and the ground paste. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Finally garnish with the curry leaves and the chopped coriander and serve it warm.

Note
If you don't have a pressure cooker, soak the dal for an hour and then cook in a regular pot with water.
If the tomatoes are too sour then reduce to 1 and a 1/2 cup.
Soak the poppy seeds in little hot water for 10 minutes, so that you can grind it smoothly.