Saar

Saar is a flavorful and nutritious Indian soup made with a blend of aromatic spices and lentils, perfect for a light meal or as an appetizer. This hearty soup is both comforting and revitalizing, providing a boost of health with every sip.

Ingredients

• Toor dal (split pigeon peas) - 50 grams
• Water - 500 ml
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Ghee or oil - 1 tablespoon
• Mustard seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
• Asafoetida (hing) - a pinch
• Green chili - 1, slit
• Curry leaves - 8-10 leaves
• Fresh coriander leaves - a handful, chopped
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Rinse the toor dal under running water until the water runs clear to remove any impurities.
2. In a pot, combine the rinsed toor dal, turmeric powder, and water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the dal is soft and cooked through.
3. Once the dal is cooked, blend it with a hand blender or in a regular blender until smooth. Add salt to taste and set aside.
4. In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
5. Add cumin seeds, a pinch of asafoetida, slit green chili, and curry leaves. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour the tempered spices into the blended dal mixture and stir well to combine.
7. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
8. Just before serving, stir in chopped coriander leaves and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning if necessary, and enjoy hot.

Nutrition

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 24 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein and fiber, aiding digestion and satiety.
• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties from spices.

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