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Sambar Recipe | Quick, Tasty & Easy

Sambar Recipe

Sambar is a popular South Indian dish that is made with lentils, vegetables, and a unique blend of spices. This healthy and flavorful dish is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. Here is a detailed recipe for sambar, along with some tips to make it even more delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)
  • 2-3 cups of mixed vegetables (such as drumstick, carrot, pumpkin, brinjal, okra, etc.)
  • 2-3 tablespoons of sambar powder
  • 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste
  • 1 tablespoon of jaggery (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds
  • 2-3 dried red chilies
  • A pinch of asafetida
  • A handful of fresh curry leaves
  • 2-3 tablespoons of oil or ghee
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed

Instructions:

  1. Start by washing the toor dal thoroughly and pressure-cooking it with 3 cups of water until it becomes soft and mushy.
  2. In a separate pot, boil the mixed vegetables until they are cooked but still retain their shape. Drain the water and keep the vegetables aside.
  3. In a large pan or kadhai, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, asafetida, and fresh curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds until the mustard seeds start to pop.
  4. Add the sambar powder to the pan and mix well with the spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spices are well combined and fragrant.
  5. Add the boiled vegetables to the pan and mix well with the spices. Add water as needed to adjust the consistency of the gravy.
  6. Add the cooked toor dal to the pan and mix gently. Add water as needed to adjust the consistency of the sambar.
  7. Add the tamarind paste and jaggery (if using) and mix well. Let the sambar simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat until the flavors are well combined and the gravy thickens.
  8. Turn off the heat and let the sambar sit for a few minutes before serving.
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Your sambar is now ready to serve. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves or grated coconut. Serve hot with rice, idli, or dosa.

Tips:

  • Use a mix of vegetables to make the sambar more flavorful and nutritious. You can use any vegetables of your choice, such as carrot, pumpkin, brinjal, okra, drumstick, etc.
  • Use fresh curry leaves to enhance the flavor of the sambar.
  • Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. You can also add other spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, or bay leaves to enhance the flavor.
  • Use homemade sambar powder for a more authentic taste. You can also use store-bought sambar powder if you don’t have the time to make it at home.
  • For a healthier version, you can use less oil or ghee and skip the jaggery.

Sambar is a delicious and healthy dish that is enjoyed by people all over India. With these simple instructions and tips, you can make a restaurant-quality sambar dish right in your own kitchen.