Araichu vita Sambar

Ingredients:

A cup of cut vegetable of choice or a mix of vegetables. Sambar onion and drumstick are usually the favorites.
Tur dal                              1/2 cup pressure cooked and mashed
Tamarind                          large marble size
Dhaniya seeds                 3 tsp
Channa dal                       2 tsp
Methi seeds                     1/2 tsp
Red chillies                       4 or 5
Grated Coconut                4 tblsp
asafoetida                         a pinch
Curry leaves
Oil
Salt

Preparation Method:
In a little oil fry dhaniya seeds, channa dal and red chillies. Add coconut and asafoetida and grind to a smooth paste.
Extract pulp of tamarind. Add vegetables, curry leaves and salt.
If using Onion, heat oil, saute the onions and then add tamarind water, salt and curry leaves. let it boil till raw smell evaporates.
Add the paste and bring it to a boil.
Add the mashed dal and if needed some water to bring it up to desired consistency.
Let the mix boil for a minute or two and take off heat.