1.Wash the kadala paruppu well.2.Add the dal, castor oil, rock salt and 2 cups water to a pressure cooker.

3.Pressure cook until the dal is cooked but not mushy.

4.Add chopped tomatoes.

5.Crush the small onions and garlic and add them.

6.Add turmeric powder, chilli powder and coriander/kootu powder.

7.Add 2 cups water and allow everything to boil. Adjust salt and add a little jaggery if desired.

8.Add grated coconut and allow the kootu to thicken.

9.Prepare the tadka separately with ghee/oil, mustard seeds, vadagam, asafoetida and curry leaves.

10.Add tamarind water to the kootu.

11.Boil for another 2–3 minutes.

12.Add the prepared tadka and mix well.

13.Switch off and serve hot with rice.