Sambar

1/2 tomato (medium)

1/2 onion (medium)

1 1/2 teaspoon tamarind pulp

1 tablespoon Sambar powder

1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chilly powder [Optional]

Coriander leaves 

Salt

For tempering:

1 teaspoon coconut oil

1 sprig curry leaves

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

3 dried red chilly

Instructions

1) Use a pressure cooker to cook the dal till it achieves a smooth consistency (3 to 4 whistles should be fine).

2) Add vegetables & salt along with 1 cup of water to the dal and further cook till the vegetables are done(1 to 2 additional whistles).

3) If using okra, shallow fry it in oil separately in a pan.

4) Reduce the flame, add okra, tamarind pulp, Sambar powder, turmeric powder and red chilli powder. Mix well.

5) Cook for an additional 3 to 5 min . Add coriander leaves and switch off the flame. Sambar is almost ready.

6) To add the finish touches, heat coconut oil in a pan and splutter mustard seeds. To this add the curry leaves and dried red chilli. Mix well.

7) Add this to the Sambar. Serve hot with rice/ Idly/ Dosa.