Sambar

Sambar Recipe: Comfort Food Perfected!

Sambar’s popularity transcends regional boundaries, being widely enjoyed in South Indian states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, and Seemandhra, as well as in Sri Lanka and Myanmar. With over 50 varieties available across India, sambar has cemented its status as a beloved and versatile dish cherished by many.

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)
  • 2 cups water
  • Assorted vegetables (like drumsticks, tomatoes, beans, carrots, pumpkin, and okra)
  • Sambar powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Tamarind paste
  • Fresh curry leaves
  • Mustard seeds
  • Asafoetida (hing)
  • Pure ghee or oil

Instructions:

Cook the Lentils:

Rinse 3/4 cup of toor dal thoroughly and cook it with 2 cups of water until soft and mushy. You can use only toor dal or a mix of toor dal, moong dal, and masoor dal for varied taste and texture.

Prepare the Vegetables:

While the dal is cooking, chop assorted vegetables of your choice into bite-sized pieces. Cook them until tender in a pot of water.

Simmer with Sambar Powder:

Once the vegetables are cooked, add Avadata sambar powder to the vegetable stock and let it simmer, infusing the broth with aromatic flavors.

Combine Dal and Vegetables:

Once the vegetable stock is flavored to perfection, add the cooked dal to the pot. Let it simmer briefly, allowing the dal to mingle with the flavors of the vegetables and spices.

Add Tamarind Paste:

To enhance the tangy taste of the Sambar, add a spoonful of tamarind paste to the pot. Adjust the quantity according to your preference.

Prepare the Tempering:

In a separate pan, heat pure ghee or oil. Add mustard seeds, fresh curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Let the spices sizzle and release their aroma.

Final Touch:

Pour the aromatic tempering over the cooked Sambar, giving it a final flourish of flavor and fragrance.

Serve your homemade Sambar hot with rice, soft idli, plain dosa, or crispy medu vada for a truly satisfying meal that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds!

Enjoy the comforting goodness of homemade Sambar with this easy-to-follow recipe, and let its flavors transport you to the heart of South India with every delicious bite!