Sambar is a flavorful South Indian lentil stew made with a variety of vegetables, spices, and tamarind juice, often accompanied by rice or idli.
Rinse the toor dal and cook it with 3 cups of water in a pressure cooker until soft and mushy.
Soak tamarind in warm water, extract the juice, and set aside.
Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds, dry red chilies, curry leaves, and asafoetida.
Add the onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
Add the remaining vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.
Pour in the tamarind juice, add turmeric, sambar powder, and salt. Bring it to a boil.
Add the cooked dal, stir well, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
