Onion Chutney

THIS is a tasty chutney that goes very well with dosas, for when you want a change from the usual coconut chutney. When I had made it for the first time, no one could tell that the chief ingredient was onion! Won't bring on any tears, I assure you.:)

What you need:
2 medium-sized onions, diced
2 teaspoons chilli powder
1 tablespoon channa dal
1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
Marble-sized ball of tamarind
1 sprig curry leaves
A pinch of asafoetida
1 tablespoon cooking oil
Salt to taste

Heat oil and add the cumin seeds. Reduce flame. Fry for a minute and add the channa dal. When the dal changes colour, add the onion and curry leaves and fry till the onion turns transparent. Next add the chilli powder and asafoetida and stir for half a minute. Cool completely and grind along with the tamarind in a blender along with salt to taste. There's absolutely no need for water while grinding.

PS: Channa dal is the same as Bengal gram dal.