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The Sambar Recipe that Impressed my Wife 15 years ago

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Recipe Information

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Video-Specific Recipe

Sambar

Cultural Context

Sambar hails from South India, where it is a staple in Tamil cuisine, often served with rice or idli. This lentil-based stew showcases a variety of vegetables and is flavored with tamarind and a unique spice blend. Traditionally, it is a communal dish enjoyed during festivals and family gatherings. Today, sambar has transcended regional boundaries, becoming a beloved dish throughout India and even in Indian restaurants worldwide.

IndianINmain
45 min
medium
4 servings
Servings4
1.5 cups pink lentils
5-6 cups water
carrots
green beans
brinjals
1 small onion
1 green chili
4-5 cloves garlic
2 medium tomatoes
small piece of tamarind
turmeric powder
salt
oil

toor dal

🥗Healthier: moong dal

💰Cheaper: split peas

Moong dal is lighter and cooks faster, while split peas are more economical.

tamarind

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lemon juice offers a similar tanginess with fewer calories.

sambar powder

🥗Healthier: homemade spice blend

💰Cheaper: basic spices

A homemade blend can be healthier and more tailored to taste.

mixed vegetables

🥗Healthier: seasonal vegetables

💰Cheaper: frozen vegetables

Seasonal veggies are often fresher and cheaper.

1

Wash the pink lentils thoroughly at least two to three times and discard the water each time.

2

Soak the lentils in fresh water for about 30 minutes.

3

Prepare the vegetables: wash and peel the carrots, cut them into large chunks, cut green beans into large pieces, and cut brinjals into large pieces, checking for worms and seeds.

4

Chop a small onion coarsely and set aside.

5

Peel and set aside 4-5 cloves of garlic.

6

Chop 2 medium-sized tomatoes coarsely.

7

Soak a small piece of tamarind in just enough water to cover it completely.

8

After 30 minutes, drain the soaking water from the lentils and rinse them one or two times.

9

Add the soaked lentils to a pressure cooker pot.

10

Add the prepared vegetables one by one: carrots, green beans, and brinjals.

11

Add turmeric powder and salt to taste.

12

Add 5-6 cups of water to the pot.

13

Close the lid and pressure cook for about 6-8 minutes.

14

Release the steam after cooking is done, using a cloth to vent out the steam.

15

Check the cooked lentils and vegetables for doneness.

Cooking Techniques

boilingsautéingmixing

Equipment Needed

pressure cookerpanspatula

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Dietary

vegetarianvegan

Also Known As

SambharSambharam

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