Dhaanshak

    I came across dhaanshak on TV cooking show many years back.It was a non veg version and the thought of having the sweet sour delicacy with loads of vegetables and dals, excited me to no end.There are loads of variations but this recipe is simple and all the ingredients are at home.My family loves it and I make it as "IT IS A ONE POT DISH"!! One can add mutton and it tastes great.I also like to top it with a strong crushed garlic and red chilli tadka.
INGREDIENTS
Brown Lentils             3/4 cup
Bengal gram yellow     1/4 cup
Potatoes halved            8 pcs
carrots                         1 no
beans                         1/2 bowl
pumpkin                      1/2 bowl
onions                          2 nos
Methi leaves chopped   1 bowl
Brinjal  small                 2 nos
garlic                            2 tbsp crushed
ginger                           1 tbsp chopped
Tamrind                        walnut size
Jaggery                         1 tbsp
Tomatoes                      2 nos chopped
  For tempering:-
Oil                              1 tbsp
Ghee                           1 tsp
methi seeds                 1/4 tsp
mustard seeds              1/2 tsp
jeera                             1/2 tsp
cloves                            3 nos
bay leaf                          2 nos
pepper corns                  6 nos
green cardamom             1 no
hing                               1/4 tsp
cinnamon                        1 stick
haldi                               1/2 tsp
Coriander powder           1 tsp
garam masala                   1 tsp
chilli powder                    3/4 tsp
salt to taste

METHOD
Boil soaked dals with salt and haldi till almost cooked.In a pan heat the oil and add the potatoes.Turn them till they look a bit golden.Add pumpkin, beans,carrots,onions and brinjal(all cut into 1" x1/2 "pieces).Saute them and cook till a bit colored.Add the chopped tomatoes and let them cook.Add this mixture with chopped methi to the boiled dal.
Heat ghee and add all the whole spices.When the mustard splutters, add the ginger and garlic and saute till golden brown.Add all the dry powders and mix and immediately add to the dal and cook.Add tamarind paste and jaggery.Cook till the vegetables are cooked.Serve hot topped with chopped coriander and enjoy with brown onion rice.