Sambar Recipe

Sambar is a popular south Indian recipe. It is an important side dish that is served with Rava Idli, Dosa , Steamed Rice – Plain rice.

Sambar is made with yellow lentil called Tuvar dal(toor dal) and vegetables. You can use any vegetables of your choice such as onions, potatoes, tomatoes, brinjals, beans, cabbage, knolkol, raddish etc. you can use any one or a mix of these vegetables.

The sambar powder can be made in large quantities and stored for 6 months or more. I use it most of the time. Of course the freshly made sambar powder has a special taste, which I make once in a while when I have more time.

I am using onions and tomatoes in this recipe. My family loves it.

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How to make Sambar

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Ingredients For Sambar Powder

Coriander seeds - 1 table spoon

Chana dal - 1 tea spoon

Urad dal -1/2 tea spoon

Cumin seeds - 1 tea spoon

Asafetida - 1/4 tea spoon

Red chillis - 2 to 4, according to taste

Black pepper - 1/4 tea spoon

Mustard seeds - 1/4 tea spoon

Methi(fenugreek) seeds - 1/4 tea spoon

Ingredients for Sambar:

Toor dal - 1 small cup

Tamarind - a lime sized ball

Onions 2 medium sized, chopped

Tomatoes - 2 medium sized, chopped

Curry leaves - a sprig.

Coriander leaves - 1 tbsp chopped.

Salt - 1 tea spoon or to taste.

Water - 3-4 cups.

Ingredients for seasoning:

Oil+ghee - 1 tsp each

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

Asafoetida - 1 pinch

Turmeric powder - 1/4teaspoon.

Preparation:

Roast the sambar powder ingredients on low flame. Grind to fine powder.

Soak tamarind in warm water for 15 minutes. Get pulp using 1 cup of water.

Cooking Method:

1. Cook Toor dal in 2 cups of water till it is soft.
2. In a deep pan, Heat oil.
3. Add mustard and cumin seeds. When they stop crackling, add asafetida and turmeric powder, curry leaves, chopped onions.
4. Fry for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add 1 cup water. Add ground sambar powder. Boil.
6. Mash the cooked dal. Add to the mixture.
7. Boil for 5 minutes. Add the tamarind pulp, salt. Stir. Add more water if needed.
8. Boil for about 5 minutes.
9. Add chopped coriander leaves.

Sambar is ready to serve with dosa, Rava Idli , Rice.