Sambar Recipe: A Flavorful South Indian Delight

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Sambar is one of the most beloved dishes of South India, cherished for its aromatic spices, hearty lentils, and tangy tamarind base. A staple in many households, sambar is a soul-warming dish that pairs beautifully with rice, idli, dosa, or vada. With its nutritious ingredients and rich flavors, this dish is not just food; it's an experience. If you want to recreate an authentic South Indian sambar recipe at home, follow this simple yet delicious recipe.

Ingredients:

For the Dal Base:

1 cup toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)

3 cups water

½ tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp ghee or oil

For the Tamarind Mixture:

1 lemon-sized ball of tamarind

1 cup warm water

Vegetables (use a combination of the following as per availability):

1 small carrot (chopped)

½ cup drumsticks (cut into 2-inch pieces)

1 small brinjal (eggplant) chopped

½ cup pumpkin (cubed)

1 tomato (chopped)

5-6 pearl onions or 1 small onion (sliced)

5-6 okra (chopped, optional)

For the Sambar Powder (if not using store-bought):

2 tbsp coriander seeds

1 tbsp chana dal (Bengal gram)

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp fenugreek seeds

4-5 dried red chilies

½ tsp asafoetida (hing)

6-8 curry leaves

1 tbsp grated coconut (optional)

For Tempering (Tadka):

1 tbsp oil or ghee

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 dried red chili

6-8 curry leaves

¼ tsp asafoetida (hing)

For Garnishing:

2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Dal

Rinse the toor dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.

In a pressure cooker, add the dal, 3 cups of water, turmeric powder, salt, and ghee.

Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal becomes soft and mushy.

Mash the cooked dal with the back of a spoon and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Tamarind Extract

Soak the tamarind in warm water for 10-15 minutes.

Squeeze the tamarind to extract its juice and discard the pulp.

Keep the tamarind extract ready for later use.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In a large pot or pan, heat a teaspoon of oil.

Add all the chopped vegetables along with a pinch of salt.

Sauté for a few minutes, then add 2 cups of water and cover the pan.

Let the vegetables cook until they become tender but not mushy.

Step 4: Prepare the Sambar Powder (if making fresh)

Dry roast the coriander seeds, chana dal, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, curry leaves, and grated coconut (if using) in a pan on low heat until aromatic.

Let it cool and grind to a fine powder.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked and mashed dal to the pot of vegetables.

Pour in the tamarind extract and mix well.

Add 2-3 teaspoons of sambar powder (or as per taste) and stir.

Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.

Let the sambar simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until all flavors meld together.

Stir occasionally and check for seasoning.

Step 6: Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)

Heat oil or ghee in a small pan.

Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

Add cumin seeds, dried red chili, curry leaves, and asafoetida.

Pour the tempering over the simmering sambar and mix well.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves over the sambar.

Serve hot with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or vada.

Tips for the Perfect Sambar:

Adjust the tamarind and spice levels according to your taste preference.

Freshly ground sambar recipe powder enhances the flavor significantly.

Adding a small piece of jaggery balances the tanginess of tamarind.

Always simmer the sambar for a few extra minutes after adding the tempering for the best flavor.

Using ghee for tempering adds a rich aroma to the dish.

Final Thoughts:

Sambar is a wholesome, nutritious, and flavorful dish that brings comfort and warmth to the table. Whether enjoyed as a part of a lavish South Indian meal or as a simple one-pot dish, it never fails to satisfy. Try this homemade sambar recipe, and let the flavors of South India tantalize your taste buds!