What is Sambar Recipe?
Sambar Recipe is a traditional South Indian dish that’s a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and aromas. It’s a lentil-based stew that features a medley of vegetables, aromatic spices, and a tangy tamarind twist. Sambar is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a favorite among people of all ages.
Tips for the Perfect Sambar Recipe
Use freshly ground sambar powder for an authentic taste.
Adjust the quantity of tamarind extract to suit your taste preferences.
For enhanced aroma, add a dollop of ghee at the end.
Sambar Recipe
- 1 cup Toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)
- Mixed vegetables (such as 2 drumsticks, 2 carrots, 1 eggplant, and 8-10 pieces of okra)
- 2 tablespoons Tamarind extract
- 2 tablespoons Sambar powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- A pinch of Asafoetida (hing)
- 8-10 Curry leaves
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Fenugreek seeds
- 2-3 Dried red chilies
- 2 tablespoons Cooking oil
- Salt to taste
Preparing the Vegetables
Start by washing and chopping the mixed vegetables of your choice. Each vegetable brings a unique flavor and texture to the sambar. Remember to peel the skin off vegetables like carrots and cube them for even cooking.
Roasting the Spices
In a pan, heat a teaspoon of oil and add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida. Roast these until the mustard seeds crackle and release a delightful aroma. Be cautious not to burn them.
Creating the Sambar Base
In a pot, cook the toor dal with 3 cups of water until it turns soft and mushy. In another larger pot, add the chopped vegetables, turmeric powder, and sambar powder. Allow them to cook until tender.
Adding Tamarind Extract
Extract tamarind juice by soaking a small amount of tamarind pulp in 1/4 cup of warm water. Add the tamarind extract to the pot of cooked vegetables. Let it simmer to infuse the tangy flavor.
Boiling the Toor Dal
Mash the cooked toor dal and add it to the pot of vegetables and tamarind extract. Mix well and allow the flavors to meld together as the mixture simmers.
Final Sambar Assembly
Combine the roasted spices from the pan and the curry leaves into the pot of sambar. Stir and let the sambar simmer on low heat for a few more minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together into a harmonious blend.
Serving and Pairing
Serve steaming hot sambar with idli, dosa, rice, or even as a soup. Its tangy and savory flavors complement the subtle taste of these dishes wonderfully.