I have tried atleast 1000 versions of this south indian soup. I do like the westernized 'Mullaghatawny Soup' as well. The best cure for common cold. :) Atleast that's what the southies claim. Here is how I make it. If you have a different version, please post. Boil a third of a cup of Thoor Dhall (yellow gram?) until smooth. In a wok, add 2 tbs oil under medium heat. Add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds wait till they all pop.. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds, 5 pods of crushed garlic, 3 dried red chillies 1/4 tsp crushed coriander seeds. Let it all roast for 30 seconds. Add 3 large diced tomatoes and a pinch of asafoetida and pinch of turmeric. Wait till the tomatoes are soft and well integrated with the rest of the spices (5 min). Add 1 tsp tamarind paste or juice of one lime. Add 2 cups of water. Increase the heat to high. When it starts boiling, add the cooked dhall. Add salt to taste. (1.5 tsp?) Before it start boiling again, remove it from heat. Add 1 tsp crushed black pepper. Garnish with coriander and curry leaves.