Mullangi sambar | Radish Sambar Recipe | South Indian Sambar Recipe | Lunch Recipes | Sambar Recipe

toor dal

🥗Healthier: moong dal

💰Cheaper: split peas

Moong dal is lighter and cooks faster.

tamarind

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lemon juice provides acidity with fewer calories.

radish

🥗Healthier: turnip

💰Cheaper: carrot

Turnips have a similar texture and flavor.

mustard seeds

🥗Healthier: cumin seeds

💰Cheaper: black sesame seeds

Cumin seeds offer a different but complementary flavor.

Cook 1/2 cup of washed toor dal in a pressure cooker with 2 chopped tomatoes and a few garlic cloves.

Add 1 teaspoon turmeric powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the cooker.

Add enough water to immerse the dal completely, cover, and pressure cook for about 5 whistles on medium heat.

Once done, turn off the stove and set the cooker aside.

In a kadai, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil.

Add 1 teaspoon urad dal, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds; sauté until the mustard seeds start splattering.

Add 2 halved red chilies and 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing).

Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes on medium-low flame.

Add a few fresh curry leaves and 3 roughly cut green chilies.

Add 2 medium radishes cut into medium thickness slices and mix well.

Add 1 teaspoon rock salt, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, and 1 teaspoon coriander powder; mix everything well.

Cook the radish slices for about 2 minutes on medium heat to absorb the spices.

Add 1/2 cup of water, cover the kadai, and cook the radish for about 10 minutes until the raw smell is gone.

Add 1/2 cup of slightly thick tamarind puree and mix well; add water to dilute if needed.

Transfer the cooked dal mixture to the kadai and mix well.

Cook the sambar for about 10 minutes on medium-low flame to blend the flavors.

Check for seasoning and add about 1 teaspoon of salt if needed.

Finally, add some finely chopped coriander leaves and fresh grated coconut; mix well and turn off the stove.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary