1. Cook the dal till very soft and mash lightly.
2. Soak tamarind in 1 cup of water and extract juice.
3. Peel the potatoes and cut into big cubes. Peel the onions.
4. Heat oil in kadai. Add mustard seeds.
5. When they splutter add curry leaves and onion.
6. Fry till onions are light brown.
7. Add potato and 1 cup of water.
8. Simmer till potatoes are cooked.
9. Add tamarind juice and salt and simmer for 5 minutes.
10. Mix sambar pow2der with ¼ cup of water and add. Simmer for 2 minutes
11. Add the dal. Add some water if the samara is too thick.
12. Simmer for 3 more minutes.
13. Serve garnished with coriander leaves, with steamed rice, idly or dosa.

Serves: 4-6