Rasam

Ingredients:

4 cloves garlic, pressed
1/4 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp black peppercorns
1 tbsp oil
2 tsp black mustard seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
2 tomatoes, quartered
1 cup water
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp tamarind, dissolved in 1 cup hot water
1 cup yellow split peas (channa dhal), well cooked until really soft

Crush garlic, cumin, and peppercorns with a mortar and pestle. Heat oil, and add mustard seeds (cover pan quickly and listen for popping). Add the cumin seeds. Add tomato, water, and turmeric, then the garlic mixture. Bring to a boil, and add the tamarind and salt. Mash split peas, and add. Simmer gently until the tomatoes are soft.