Heat oil in a vessel.
Add asafoetida followed by shallots, green chillies and half the curry leaves. SautT until the onions become a little transparent and glossy.
Add the vegetables of your choice and turmeric powder.
Cook covered until the vegetables are properly cooked.
:-If not adding any veggies, then add more onions.
Add the tamarind pulp and cook covered until the raw smell of the tamarind goes off.
Add the ground coconut paste, jaggery and salt to taste. Add more water if necessary.
Once the mixture comes to a boil add the cooked thoor dhal and mix well. Check for salt.
:- The sambar should not be too thick nor too watery.
When the sambar just begins to boil, switch off the stove.
:- Make sure you don¦t boil the sambar after adding the thoor dhal coz the dhal will lose its soft texture.
Heat a tsp of oil in a small kadai.
Add the mustard seeds and once they pop, add the remaining curry leaves and the dry red chillies.
Pour this over the sambar.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
:- Serve hot with idli, dosa or plain rice.