Simple Dal tomato/ Parippu Thakkali curry

I still remember when my ambition to become a Doctor used to bring smiles on my parents face. And I also remember the times when my aim was to bring a smile in parents face by stating that my ambition was to become a doctor. But the fact that it has not worked out sometimes bring a sigh and I have learned that the worse phrase in life is, “I could have been”.

Recently I asked my 3 year old about what he wants to be when he grows up. He says that he wants to grow a moustache and drive around in a car strapping us both, me and my hubby to baby seats. Well, that definitely brought a smile. Simple ambitions, simple life….

Speaking of simple things here is a simple Dal /parippu curry recipe

Ingredients:

 1) Tomato – 3 large, cut into 6 – 8 pieces

      Onion / savola – 1 med-small, sliced

      Green chilies – 3, slit

      Curry leaves – 1 sprig

      Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp

      Coriander powder – 1 tsp

      Chilly powder – 1.5 tsp

      Salt – To taste

2)  Grated coconut – 1/2 cup

3)   Masoor Dal – ½ cup

4)  Coconut oil – 2 – 3 tsp

Instructions:

•    Combine the ingredients listed under 1 and cook for at least 10 to 15 minutes till it is almost half cooked.
•        Pressure cook Dal for one whistle.Make sure it does not overly mushy. I do it on stove top since masoor dal cooks pretty quick.
•      Add grated coconut to the tomato mixture and cook till done but the tomatoes still retain the shape.
•       Add cooked dal and combine. Add coconut oil and a sprig of curry leaves. Close the lid so that the curry absorbs the flavor of coconut oil.