Stewed Lentil Garnish (Sambar)

Ingredients

• Spices

  • 1 tbsp dried red lentils
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp ground Kashmiri chili powder (see note)

• Sauce

  • 2 Indian eggplants, cut into large dice, about 2 1/2 oz (75 g) (see note)
  • 1/2 small onion, coarsely chopped
  • 1 small carrot, sliced into rounds
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 plum tomato, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) water
  • 3 tbsp dried red lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) tamarind concentrate (see note)
  • 1 1/2 tsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp cilantro leaves, finely chopped