Sambar is a South Indian lentil and vegetable stew made with pigeon pea lentils, tamarind and a unique spice blend called sambar powder. It is a staple dish in South Indian homes and is also equally popular and loved by many.
A basic sambar recipe will have a mix or one or two types of vegetables along with lentils, tamarind, sambar powder and a few spices.
Enjoy the sambar with snacks like Idli, Dosa, Medu Vada, uttapam or simply pair it with rice for a comforting, nutritious and filling meal.
Also Read: Kadai Mushroom Recipe
Sambar Recipe (Authentically South Indian)
Course: MainCuisine: South IndianDifficulty: Easy5
servings10
minutes45
minutes167
kcalSambar Recipe with step by step pictures. This recipe is a delicious combination of Dal and Vegetables which is filled with nutrients and can be served for your lunch/dinner or for your breakfast with Idli/ Dosa.
Ingredients
1 tbsp Oil
1 large Onion
2 Tomato chopped
2 slit Green Chilli
1 Brinjal chopped
2 Carrot
6 Beans
1 cup Cucumber
4 Ladysfinger
1 Potato
1 cup Raw Mango
1 Raw Banana / Plantain
1 cup Toor Dal
3 tbsp Sambar Powder
Salt to taste
2 tsp Jaggery
Coriander Leaves a small handful finely chopped
Water as need
- For Tempering:
2 tbsp Coconut Oil
1tbsp Mustard seeds
1 tsp Urad Dal
1tsp Cumin seeds
Dry Red Chilli
½ tsp Asafoetida
Curry leaves a sprig
Directions
- Heat oil and add in onion, chilli and tomato. Saute it for 2 mins.
- Add in all vegetables and saute it for 8 to 10 mins.
- Add in water, Cover it cook for 10 to 15 mins till the veggies is cooked.
- Now add in cooked dal, sambar powder, salt and jaggery and mix well. Simmer this whole thing for 15 to 20 mins.
- Now make tempering by heating oil and crackling all whole spices. Fry this for a min. Pour this over the sambar and mix well.
- Add in coriander leaves and mix. Leave the pan covered till serving.
Notes
- Sambar Powder: The sambar powder can make or break your sambar. Use the best sambar powder. It can be homemade or from your favorite brand. Sambar powder is easily available online.
- Lentils: Try to use fresh and preferably unpolished tuvar dal for best flavor and health reasons. The fresher the dal is the better it tastes and cooks faster. For faster cooking, you can opt to soak the lentils in water for 30 to 60 minutes.
