For the idlis.

Fry oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, curry leaves, urad and chana dal. Wait till the crack. Add the cashews. Saute for a while. Add green chilli, onion, carrot and ginger. Saute for few seconds. Add the suji and fry for a minute. Pour the mixture in a big bowl. Add the sour curd and some water till it is of dropping consistency. Add salt and keep aside for 30 minutes

After 30 minutes, check the consistency. Add more water if required. Heat the idli cooker with water in it. Grease the idli moulds with oil. Add baking soda to the batter and mix well. Pour in idli moulds and place in idli cooker. Cover it with lid but without whistle. Steam for 15 minutes

For the sambhar

Boil the arhar dal.Heat oil. Crack mustard seeds and curry leaves. Fry the green chilli,onion and tomato for a few minutes till they are soft. Add turmeric and red chilli powder and sambhar masala. Fry for a few seconds.

Then add the boiled dal, tamarind water and salt. Garnish with coriander leaves. Boil for a few seconds. Serve IDLIS with SAMBHAR