Kali Tori (Black Pigeon Peas)- Kokum Saaru/ Saar.

"Kali Tori (Black Pigeon Peas)- Kokum Saaru/ Saar with garlic seasoning" ... A delicious saar that tastes awesome when served with rice along with other dishes ...

** Soak Tori/Pigeon peas (black/white) in water overnight. Next day clean well in water and pressure cook to 3-4 whistles. Let cool, drain the peas and keep aside. The cooked water obtained is used to prepare saar.

** Put the obtained saar in a vessel and add water if necessary to bring to saar consistency. Add one of two dried kokums (available in south indian grocery stores).

** Adding of kokum is Optional. You can make the saar without it. But i find a bit of sourness enhances the taste. |Add Salt and bring the Saar to a boil. Lower heat and simmer the saar.

** Heat oil in a kadai, add garlic and fry till brown, add red chilly bits and pour over the Saar. Mix well. Cover and leave it to absorb the garlic flavour for sometime before serving it as appetizer or with rice. 

** When serving with rice you can add a blob of fresh home made butter which tastes very good.