Awesome Sambhar - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups dried red lentils
1 cup carrot, chopped
4 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups potatoes, medium-cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds, generous
2 teaspoons ground coriander
3/4 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon mild crushed dried chili
3/4 - 1 teaspoon curry powder
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Combine the lentils, water and carrots in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to med/low and partially cover, letting it simmer for 20 minutes.
(If you're going to cook basmati rice, start it now.) Add the potatoes, and cook for 15-20 minutes more, till the potatoes are soft. You may need to add an additional 1/2-1 cup of water if you find it getting too thick.
Meanwhile, in a small frying pan heat the olive oil (over med/high)and stir in the mustard seeds. Stir for a minute, till they start to pop. Reduce heat. Stir in the other spices and saute for 1 minute. Set aside.
When the potatoes and lentils are fully cooked, stir in the spice mixture, salt and lemon juice. Serve immediately. (With chapatis or over rice; steamed collards or salad).