Vegetable Lentil Soup or Sambhar    Serves 6 - 8

Ingredients : 
1 cup lentils, picked over
2 cups mixed cubed vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, cauliflower and string beans
1 cup diced onion
2 Tbsp. Ajika Sambhar Masala
1 tsp. salt
1 cup diced tomatoes
2 tsp. vegetable or corn oil
1 tsp. mustard seeds (optional)
1 Tbsp. tamarind paste (optional)
2 Tbsp. thinly sliced onion
2 Tbsp. chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves (optional)

Method:
1. In a large pot bring lentils and 5 cups water to a boil and simmer until tender, 30 to 35 mins.
Stir in mixed vegetables and diced onions and simmer 15 mins.
2. In a small bowl mix together Ajika Sambar Masala and 1/4 cup water and add to lentils. Stir in salt, tamarind paste and tomatoes and simmer, covered, 10 mins.
3. In a small frying pan heat oil over moderate heat and saute mustard seeds, covered, until popping sounds stop, 3 to 4 mins. Add sliced onion and saute, stirring, until golden brown. Pour mixture over lentils and add salt to taste.
4. Transfer sambar to a serving dish and garnish with coriander leaves.
5. Serve hot with rice (steamed or pilaf), with idlis and dosas, or dilute with 1 cup of stock or boiling water to enjoy as a soup.

Chefs Tip:
- Soak the lentils in cold water for 2 hours for faster cooking.
- For variation, use 2 cups of other mixed vegetables such as eggplants, drumsticks (moringa olifera), pumpkin, okra, yam, squash and zucchini.
- For enhanced flavor, add a few curry leaves to onions in step 4.