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Traditional Sambar | South Indian Lentil Stew | Flavorful Onam Recipe

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Patel Brothers
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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
Toor Dal - 1 cup
Salt - To taste
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp
Oil - 2 Tbsp
Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp
Methi Seeds - 1/2 tsp
Dry Red Chilies - 2-3 qty
Green Chilies - 1-2 qty
Curry Leaves - 10-12 qty
Hing - 1/2 tsp
Onion - 1 large (sliced)
Tomatoes - 2 medium (chopped)
Carrot - 1 medium (chopped)
Eggplant - 1/2 cup (chopped)
Bottle Gourd - 1/2 cup (chopped)
Singi or Drumsticks - 8-10 pieces
Red Chili Powder - 1/2 tsp
Sambar Powder - 2 tsp
Tamarind Pulp - 5 Tbsp
Pearl Onions - 1/2 cup
Jaggery - 2 tsp
Water - as required
Cilantro - 1 tsp (garnish)

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

In a medium pot, add 1 cup toor dal (washed), salt (to taste), ¼ tsp turmeric powder, and water to completely cover. Cook on low heat until the dal is soft.

2

In a large pot heat 2 Tbsp oil. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds, ½ tsp methi seeds, 2-3 dry red chilies, 10-12 curry leaves, ½ tsp hing, and 1-2 chopped green chilies. Let them splutter for a minute to release their flavors.

3

Add 1 large sliced onion and cook for a few minutes until they are soft.

4

Next, stir in 2 chopped medium tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes until they soften.

5

Add ½ cup chopped eggplant, ½ cup bottle gourd, and 8-10 singi / drumstick pieces, and 1 chopped carrot.

6

Next, add ½ tsp red chili powder, 2 tsp sambar powder, 2-3 Tbsp diluted tamarind pulp, 2 tsp jaggery, ½ cup pearl onions, and the cooked toor dal from earlier. Add some water if needed to adjust the consistency.

7

Cook everything for 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

8

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with idli or dosa.

Cooking Techniques

boilingsautéingmixing

Equipment Needed

medium potlarge potspatula

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Dietary

vegetarianvegan

Also Known As

SambharSambharam

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