Amma's Mixed Vegetable Sambar

1/3c. toor dal
2c. mixed vegetables, chopped (potato, carrot, onion, tomato, beans)
1 ping pong ball sized piece of tamarind (soak it in 1c. water)
1/2 Tbsp. sambar powder (grand snacks is best brand)
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
sesame oil
pinch asafoetida
curry leaves
coriander
salt to taste (approx 1 tsp)

Soak 1/3 c. toor dal in 1c. water for about 10 mins, then drain.  Soak tamarind in 1c. water. Combine mixed vegetables, toor dal, and 1c. water.  Cook in small pressure cooker for 3 whistles.

In a separate pot, splutter mustard seeds and asafoetida.  Add tamarind, sambar powder and salt.  Boil for 10 mins until it starts to thicken.  Add the vegetables and dal from pressure cooker and stir. Add curry leaves and coriander. Bring it to a boil and turn off.  Add more salt if needed.  Serve with white rice.

Good sides: potato curry, beans curry, okra curry, cauliflower curry, potato chips
Can also serve sambar as a side dish with idli or dosa.