Sambar is a traditional South Indian lentil-based vegetable stew that is packed with flavors and is a staple in many households. It is made with a combination of lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices, making it a hearty and nutritious dish. In this blog post, I will guide you through a step-by-step recipe to prepare delicious homemade sambar that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, beans, drumsticks, eggplant, pumpkin, etc.)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon sambar powder
- Salt to taste
For tempering (tadka):
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 10-12 curry leaves
- 2 dried red chilies
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Wash the toor dal (pigeon peas) thoroughly and pressure cook with 2 cups of water until soft and mushy. Set aside.
- In a large pot, add the chopped vegetables, onion, tomatoes, green chilies, turmeric powder, sambar powder, and salt. Add enough water to cover the vegetables and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked dal to the pot and mix well. Add additional water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the tamarind paste in 1/4 cup of water and add it to the sambar. Stir well and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- In a separate small pan, heat ghee or oil for tempering. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, and dried red chilies. Sauté for a few seconds until the spices release their aroma.
- Pour the tempering over the prepared sambar and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or any South Indian bread of your choice.
Enjoy the authentic flavors of homemade sambar!
Tips:
- You can customize the choice of vegetables according to your preference.
- Adjust the amount of sambar powder and green chilies based on your spice level.
- If tamarind paste is not available, you can use lemon juice as a substitute.
- Sambar tastes better as it sits, so feel free to make it in advance and reheat before serving.
Conclusion: Homemade sambar is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings the flavors of South India to your kitchen. This versatile dish can be enjoyed with rice or various South Indian breakfast items. By following this easy recipe, you can create a delicious sambar that will impress your family and friends. So, go ahead and give it a try to experience the authentic taste of homemade South Indian sambar.