1 tablespoon
freshly grated coconut or moistened
unsweetened desiccated coconut
1/2 tablespoon
shaved palm sugar or dark brown
sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
Method:
First prepare the
Masala by dry-roasting the coriander, cumin, carom
and peanuts in a nonstick wok or skillet for 1 to 2
minutes, stirring until the spices crackle. Allow to
cool, then place in a blender or food processor with
the water and grind to a paste. Add the remaining
Masala ingredients and blend or process until
smooth.
Heat the oil in a
wok and stir-fry the cumin, carom and asafetida for
1 minute until the spices begin to crackle. Add the
Masala paste and stir-fry for 5 minutes. Add the
tomatoes and continue cooking for several minutes
until the tomatoes soften.
Add the drained
lentils and the prepared vegetables. Cover the wok
and simmer gently over medium heat for 10 to 15
minutes until the vegetables are tender. Sprinkle
with freshly grated coconut and serve.