Seasoned Lentil Stew Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup thoor dal (yellow pigeon peas) or dried yellow split peas, rinsed and drained
• 3 1/2 cups water, divided
• 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon tamarind concentrate (preferably Tamicon brand)
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/8 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1/8 teaspoon ground asafetida
• 1 medium boiling potato, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 1 small tomato, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/4 pound okra or green beans, trimmed and cut into thirds
• 1 small fresh green chile, such as serrano, Thai, or jalapeño, slit lengthwise with stem end intact
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 4 teaspoons sambar powder (see Cooks' Notes)
• Salt
• Fresh lemon juice to taste