Sambar Recipe | Authentic South Indian Sambar Recipe

Sambar is a South Indian  lentil and vegetable stew made with lentils, mixed vegetables, tamarind, herbs, spices & a special aromatic spice powder known as sambar. It is a staple dish in South Indian homes and is also equally popular and loved by many. It is healthy as well as nutritious being rich in protein and also other nutrients like vitamins, minerals etc.  Sambar served with rice or idli makes up for a complete meal. 

Ingredients of Sambar Recipe:

For the sambar masala:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (methi seeds)
• 4-6 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
• A small pinch of asafoetida (hing)

For the sambar:

• 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas), washed and drained
• Mixed vegetables (such as carrots, beans, eggplant, drumstick, pumpkin), chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• Tamarind pulp, about lemon-sized
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt, to taste
• Water, as needed
• 1 tablespoon jaggery or sugar (optional)
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

For tempering:

• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1-2 dried red chilies
• A few curry leaves

Instructions of making Sambar:

Preparing the Sambar Masala:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan.
• Add coriander seeds, chana dal, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, and asafoetida to the pan.
• Roast the spices on low heat until they become fragrant and the chana dal turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
• Allow the roasted spices to cool and then grind them to a fine powder. This is your sambar masala.

Making the Sambar:

• Pressure cook the washed toor dal with enough water until it's soft and cooked. Mash the cooked dal and set it aside.
• In a large pot, add the chopped mixed vegetables, chopped onion, and enough water to cover the vegetables. Add turmeric powder and salt. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
• Add the tamarind pulp and chopped tomato to the pot. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until the raw smell of the tamarind disappears.
• Add the cooked and mashed toor dal to the pot. Mix well.
• Stir in the prepared sambar masala and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• If using jaggery or sugar, add it at this stage. Adjust salt and seasonings to taste.

Tempering (Tadka):

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee in a small pan.
• Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
• Add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and curry leaves. Fry for a few seconds until aromatic.
• Pour the tempered spices over the simmering sambar and mix well.

Finishing Touch:

• Garnish the sambar with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
• Remove from heat and serve the sambar hot with idli, dosa, rice, or vada.

Enjoy the aromatic and flavorful homemade sambar with your favorite South Indian dishes!

(Note: You can customize the vegetables and adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences.)

Country of origin- India

Region- South India