Sambar Recipes 🍲

For the Sambar Base:

• 1 cup toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 tomato (chopped)
• 2-3 green chilies (slit)
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp red chili powder
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 2 tbsp sambar powder
• 1 lemon-sized tamarind (soaked in water & extract juice)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, drumstick, pumpkin, etc.)
• Salt to taste
• 3 cups water
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves (for garnish)

Whole Spices:

• 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
• 2 dried red chilies
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 1/2 tsp asafoetida (hing)
  

Step 1: Cook the Dal

• Rinse toor dal and pressure cook with 2 cups of water and turmeric powder for 3-4 whistles until soft.
• Mash the dal and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Tempering

• Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
• Add cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, cinnamon, and cloves. Sauté for a few seconds.Add asafoetida and curry leaves. Stir well.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

• Add chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until onions turn translucent.
• Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
• Mix in the chopped vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Spices & Tamarind

• Add red chili powder, coriander powder, and sambar powder. Mix well.
• Pour in tamarind extract and 3 cups of water. Let it simmer until vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Combine Dal & Simmer

• Add the cooked and mashed dal to the pan. Stir well to combine.
• Let the sambar simmer for 10 minutes until flavors blend.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or vada.
• Enjoy this delicious and comforting Sambar with your favorite dish! 🍲🔥