Sambar Recipe, How to Make Sambar

Introduction

Sambar Recipe! Make the ultimate Sambar at home with this easy recipe! Sambar, a South Indian lentil and mixed vegetable stew is the comfort food at its best. This classic dish is so easy to make and is so heavenly that you will turn to time and again. This traditional Sambar is hearty, super flavourful and loaded with vegetables, spices and herbs. Not to mention, it healthy, protein packed and keeps you full longer. Serve it with rice, Soft idli, plain Dosa, Crispy Medu Vada or Ven Pongal.

This traditional dish is believed to provide a complete nutrition to the body as it is nutrient dense. So it is a staple in most South Indian households. Sambar is also a popular food in tiffin centers and restaurants, and is served as a side in meals, as a breakfast combo – idli sambar, vada sambar and is also served with dosa, masala dosa and the list goes on.

We Indians eat lentils almost daily as they are a primary source of protein. So sambar is widely eaten as a part of healthy protein rich diet in South India. Since a variety of mixed vegetables are also used to make sambhar it becomes nutrient dense.

About Sambar

Sambar is a South Indian stew made with lentils, mixed vegetables, tamarind, herbs, spices & a special aromatic spice powder known as sambar powder. This spice powder is the key to make a good sambar. A variety of spices & lentils are used to make this powder. Most traditional homes make their own sambhar masala powder to suit their taste buds.

In the modern times, many people prefer to buy the store bought powder as it is convenient. I avoid buying any spice powders and prefer to make my own for the best aroma and taste.

Ingredients For Sambar Recipe:

• 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• Assorted vegetables (carrots, drumsticks, okra, pumpkin, etc.)
• 1 small tamarind ball, soaked in water
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon sambar powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1 – Prepare the Dal:

• Cook the toor dal with turmeric powder until soft and mashable. Set aside.

2 – Soak Tamarind:

• Soak the tamarind in warm water and extract the pulp.

3: Cook Vegetables:

• In a pot, cook assorted vegetables with salt until tender. Add the tamarind pulp and let it simmer.

4: Make Sambar Masala:

1. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and asafoetida.
2. Add chopped onions, green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté until onions turn golden.
3. Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
4. Add sambar powder, sauté briefly, and then add this masala mixture to the simmering vegetables.

5: Combine Dal and Vegetables:

• Mix the cooked toor dal with the simmering vegetables. Adjust salt and consistency as needed.

6: Tadka (Tempering):

1. In a small pan, heat ghee or oil, add mustard seeds, and let them splutter.
2. Pour this tadka over the sambar, enhancing its flavor.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve:

1. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
2. Serve hot with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or any South Indian bread.

“In every bowl of Sambar, discover the warmth of tradition and the richness of diversity.”

Pro Tips:

• Vegetable Choices: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on availability and preference.
• Tamarind Concentration: Adjust the tamarind concentration according to your desired level of tanginess.

As you savour the robust flavours of your homemade Sambar, relish the amalgamation of spices and the heartwarming essence of South Indian cuisine. This culinary journey has not only brought a beloved dish to your table but a piece of tradition and culture. Enjoy the soulful experience of Sambar—one spoonful at a time.