Sambar Recipe

Sambar Recipe

Here’s a detailed and authentic South Indian Sambar Recipe perfect for pairing with rice, idli, dosa, or vada.

Ingredients

For Sambar

• Vegetables (Choose Any):
  • ½ cup carrots (diced)
  • ½ cup drumsticks (cut into pieces)
  • ½ cup beans (chopped)
  • ½ cup pumpkin (diced)
  • 1 large tomato (chopped)
• Dal (Lentils):
  • ¾ cup toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)
  • 2 ½ cups water for cooking
• Spices:
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp tamarind extract
  • 2 tbsp sambar powder
  • Salt to taste
• Tempering:
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • ½ tsp fenugreek seeds (optional)
  • 2 dried red chilies
  • A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
  • 10-12 curry leaves
• Other:
  • Fresh coriander leaves (chopped for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp grated jaggery (optional for sweetness)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Dal

1. Rinse the toor dal thoroughly in water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pressure cooker, add the rinsed dal, turmeric powder, and 2 ½ cups water.
3. Cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal becomes soft and mushy.
4. Once cooled, mash the dal until smooth and set aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Tamarind Water

1. Soak tamarind in warm water for 10 minutes.
2. Extract the juice and discard the pulp. Set aside.

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Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. In a large pot, boil 2 cups of water.
2. Add carrots, beans, drumsticks, pumpkin, and tomatoes.
3. Add a pinch of turmeric powder and cook until the vegetables are tender.

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Step 4: Mix the Dal and Spices

1. Add the cooked dal to the pot of vegetables.
2. Stir in tamarind extract, sambar powder, and salt.
3. Let it simmer on medium heat for 10-12 minutes until the flavors blend.
4. If desired, add jaggery to balance the tanginess.

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Step 5: Tempering (Tadka)

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a small pan.
2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, asafoetida, and curry leaves.
4. Pour this tempering over the simmering sambar.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Garnish the sambar with chopped coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or vada.

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Tips for Perfect Sambar:

• Add vegetables of your choice for variety.
• Adjust tamarind and jaggery according to your preferred taste balance.
• For thicker sambar, mash some of the cooked vegetables.

Craving the perfect South Indian meal? Try this authentic Sambar recipe today and enjoy the rich, flavorful taste of homemade goodness! Share your creation with us.

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