We usually make this in the morning for breakfast with idli or Dosa, at home we prefer the dalless version in the morning since it is light and you dont keep burping the whole day long. And also since it is so easy to make. Dont worry if you do not have few ingredients, if you have sambhar powder then the rest is all upto you. Sometimes I add some vegetables, like carrots, beans, eggplant and at time I just add baby onions. If you dont have baby onions regular onions work perfectly fine too. The amount of tomatoes you use is upto you, how tangy do you like your sambhar, my husband loves it really tangy, spicy and a little sweet (khatta meetha).

Ingredients
1/2 cup small onions / regular onions sliced
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/4 tsp chana dal
1/4 tsp urad dal
few curry leaves
1.5 tbsp sambhar powder
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp tamarind paste(adjust to taste)
salt to taste
fresh coriander leaves

For the Ground Masala
1/2 cup onions, sliced (regular)
1/2 cup vegetables of your choice(optional)
1.5 cup tomatoes, cut into quarters (you can adjust this to your taste)
4-5 pepper corns
1/4 inch cinamom stick
2 - cardamoms
2 tsp ginger
1 tsp garlic
2 green chilies
1 tbsp grated coconut (optional, can add more if you want)

Method
The Ground Masala

1. Heat 1 tsp oil.
   
2. Add the peppercorns, cinamom stick and cardamom.
   
3. Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes.
   
4. Add the ginger, garlic and green chilies.
   
5. Cook till the onions and transparent.
   
6. Add the tomatoes.
   
7. Cook till oil seperates and the tomatoes are cooked well.
   
8. Add the coconut.
   
9. Remove from heat and cool completely.
   
10. Grind to a smooth paste.
    

1. Heat 1 tsp oil.
   
2. Add the mustard seeds, channa dal and urad dal.
   
3. Once they splutter add the curry leaves.
   
4. Add the onions.
   
5. Add the sambhar powder. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuosly.
   
6. Add the ground masala. Cook will oil seperates.
   
7. Add salt and 2 cups water. If using vegetables add them at this point.
   
8. Bring to a boil.
   
9. Lower the heat and simmer till the onion and vegetables (is using) are cooked.
   
10. Add sugar. Add more water to get the right consistency.
    
11. Mix the tamarind paste in 1/4 cup of water.
    
12. Add the tamarind water. (taste before adding)
    
13. Adjust seasonings.
    
14. Bring to a boil.
    
15. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.