In a pressure cooker, heat oil. Add mustard seeds, jeera, urad dal and red chilli (cut to halves). As the mustard seeds splutter and urad dal has slightly browned, add asafoetida and curry leaves.
Add julienned onions along with slit green chillies and slightly crushed garlic pods. Fry until half done.
Add finely chopped tomatoes. Add turmeric powder and cook until mushy.
Add sambar powder and fry for 30 secs. Add washed and drained toor dal to the mixture and fry for a couple of minutes.
Add water and required salt. Let the water boil. Add washed and drained rice. Mix well.
Close the pressure cooker and cook for three to four whistles. Switch off the flame. Let the pressure drop before opening the pressure cooker lid and mix well.
Serve hot with a dollop of ghee on top and chips or fryums on the side.