Sambar, a quintessential South Indian dish, is a delicious and aromatic lentil stew that has gained popularity worldwide. With its rich flavors and combination of lentils, vegetables, and spices, sambar offers a wholesome and satisfying meal option. In this article, we will explore the traditional recipe for South Indian sambar, guiding you through the steps to create a mouthwatering dish that can be enjoyed with rice, idli, dosa, or vada.
Ingredients:
- – 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
- – 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as drumsticks, carrots, beans, pumpkin, eggplant), chopped
- – 1 onion, finely chopped
- – 2 tomatoes, chopped
- – 2-3 green chilies, slit
- – 1 tablespoon sambar powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional, for added spiciness)
- – 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp (or 1 small lemon-sized ball of tamarind soaked in water)
- – Salt to taste
For Tempering:
- – 2 tablespoons oil
- – 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- – 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- – 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- – A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- – 2-3 dried red chilies
- – Few curry leaves
For Garnish:
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Instructions:
- 1.Wash the toor dal thoroughly and pressure cook it with 3 cups of water until it becomes soft and mushy. Set aside.
- 2.In a large pot, add the chopped vegetables, onion, tomatoes, green chilies, sambar powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder (if using), and salt. Add enough water to cover the vegetables.
- 3.Cook the vegetables on medium heat until they become tender. This may take about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- 4.Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked dal to the pot. Mix well and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- 5.Meanwhile, extract tamarind pulp by soaking tamarind in warm water for 10 minutes and then squeezing out the juice. Add the tamarind pulp to the pot and mix well. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
- 6.In a separate small pan, heat oil for tempering. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, asafoetida, dried red chilies, and curry leaves. Allow them to splutter and release their aroma.
- 7.Pour the tempering mixture over the simmering sambar and mix well. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- 8.Taste the sambar and adjust the seasoning or spiciness according to your preference.
- 9.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Conclusion:
With its delightful blend of lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices, sambar stands as a beloved South Indian dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. By following this classic South Indian sambar recipe, you can create a flavorful and comforting lentil stew that is sure to impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, dive into the world of South Indian flavors, and savor the joy of preparing and relishing this delectable dish.