Sambar

Ingredients:(You can use any mix of veggies you like..)

1 Cup                 -   Toor Dal(Thoran parippu), washed
1 big                   -   Potato, diced
1 no.                   -   Onion, sliced
2 no's.                 -   Tomato, diced
1 Tbsp.               -    Oil
100g.                  -    Lady's Finger
50g.                    -    Drumstick
1/2 tsp.               -    Turmeric powder
1/2 tsp.               -     Chilli powder
1 tsp.                  -     Coriander Powder
1/2 lemon size    -    Tamarind (Soak in water)
1/3 tsp.               -    Asafoetida/hing
1/3 tsp.               -    Fenugreek Powder
Salt & Water as required

For Tempering & Garnishing:

1 tsp.                   -    Mustard seeds
5 no's.                 -    Dried Red chilli
10 g.                    -   Coriander Leaves, chopped
2 sprigs               -   Curry Leaves

Method:

1.  Boil half a litre water in a hard bottomed vessel (can be made in a pressure cooker, it's quicker)and put the washed dal in it. When the dal is cooked add the onion, tomato, veggies of your choice and potato to it and allow it to cook.
2. In a separate pan heat a little oil and saute the drumstick and lady's finger well and add the chilli, turmeric and coriander powder and saute(Do not burn the spices). Add this to the cooked dal and combine well.
3. Squeeze the tamarind and add the water and the required salt and asafoetida to the dal. Add water if required. Allow it to boil
4. When all the veggies are cooked add fenugreek powder and remove from flame.
5. In a separate pan heat oil and splutter mustard seeds and the red chillies and incorporate it with the sambar.
6. Finally garnish with coriander leaves and crushed(with your fingers) curry leaves and keep it closed until ready to serve.