🍲🌿 How to Make Authentic South Indian Sambar | Tangy Lentil-Vegetable Stew Recipe

Sambar

🍲🌿 How to Make Authentic South Indian Sambar | Tangy Lentil-Vegetable Stew Recipe

Sambar is a staple South Indian dish made with toor dal (pigeon peas), tamarind, mixed vegetables, and a flavorful sambar masala. It’s tangy, mildly spicy, nutritious, and the perfect companion to idli, dosa, vada, or plain rice. Let’s dive into this wholesome comfort food that’s rich in protein and taste!

🧾 Ingredients

For the Dal:

  • 1 cup toor dal (arhar dal/pigeon peas)
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2.5 cups water
  • Salt to taste

Vegetables (use a mix):

  • 1 drumstick (cut into 2″ pieces)
  • 1/2 carrot (chopped)
  • 1/2 capsicum (chopped)
  • 5–6 beans (chopped)
  • 1 small brinjal (chopped)
  • 1 tomato (chopped)
  • 1 onion (sliced, optional)

For Tamarind Pulp:

  • 1 tbsp tamarind soaked in 1/2 cup warm water (extract the juice)

For Tempering:

  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/4 tsp methi (fenugreek) seeds
  • 2 dried red chilies
  • 8–10 curry leaves
  • A pinch of hing (asafoetida)

Spices:

  • 2–3 tbsp sambar powder (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Dal

  1. Wash toor dal thoroughly. Pressure cook with 2.5 cups water and turmeric for 3–4 whistles or until soft.
  2. Mash the dal well and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

  1. In a separate pot, add the chopped vegetables with a pinch of salt and enough water.
  2. Cover and cook until soft but not mushy (approx. 10 minutes).
  3. Add the tamarind pulp and simmer for 5–6 minutes.

Step 3: Add Dal and Spices

  1. Add the mashed dal to the vegetable mixture.
  2. Stir in sambar powder, red chili powder (if using), and salt.
  3. Simmer everything for 8–10 minutes so flavors meld together.

Step 4: Tempering

  1. In a small pan, heat oil or ghee.
  2. Add mustard seeds, cumin, fenugreek, red chilies, curry leaves, and a pinch of hing.
  3. Let it crackle, then pour this tempering over the hot sambar. Mix well.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
  • Serve hot with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or vada.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • With steamed rice and a dollop of ghee
  • As a side dish with idli, dosa, or medu vada
  • Add papadam and coconut chutney for a full South Indian meal

💡 Pro Tips

  • Use a mix of vegetables like pumpkin, lauki, or okra for added variety.
  • Adjust tamarind and spice levels to your taste.
  • For more aroma, try adding a small piece of jaggery at the end.
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