Ingredients:

• Gram Dal – 3/4 cup
• Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
• Onions – 1 diced
• Dry red chillies – 3
• Chilli powder – 1 tsp
• Coriander powder – 1 tsp
• Saunf – 1/4 tsp
• Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
• Oil – 2 tbsp
• Salt to taste
• Grated coconut – 1/4 cup (optional)

Method:

Soak gram dal for a couple of hours and grind them to a very coarse mix adding the red chillies and saunf and about 1/2 tsp salt. Make small marble to lime sized balls from the mix and steam them in idli plates in a pressure cooker (Alternatively, can place them in the idli plates and cut them into bite sized pieces after they are steamed).

In a pan, heat oil, splutter mustard seeds. Then add the onions and saute for a while. Add turmeric powder, chilli and coriander powders and fry for a few minutes adding water. Then add the steamed dal balls into the mix and allow to cook for a few minutes. Optionally, can grind the grated coconut with some water to a fine paste and add to the kozhambu. Goes well with rice and as a side dish for idlis, dosas.