Introduction
Sambar Recipe: Welcome to my kitchen, where today we’re diving into the rich flavors of South India with a classic recipe: Sambar. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds with its vibrant blend of spices, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Join me as we explore the origins of this beloved dish, uncover the secrets to making the perfect sambar, and learn how to customize it to suit your taste preferences.
Who is this For?
This Sambar recipe is for anyone who appreciates the bold flavors and diverse culinary traditions of South India. Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a satisfying and nutritious meal or a food enthusiast eager to explore new tastes, this dish is perfect for you. Sambar is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it suitable for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, and everything in between.
Why Sambar Recipe is Great
Sambar is a quintessential South Indian dish that holds a special place in the hearts of millions. Its origins can be traced back centuries, with each region of South India adding its own unique twist to the recipe. What makes sambar truly great is its ability to bring people together. Whether enjoyed with steaming hot rice, crispy dosas, or fluffy idlis, sambar has a way of turning an ordinary meal into a feast for the senses.
Ingredients for Sambar Recipe
To make this delicious Sambar, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, eggplant, okra)
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon sambar powder
- Tamarind pulp (extracted from a lemon-sized ball of tamarind)
- Salt to taste
- Water, as needed
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Directions For Sambar Recipe
- Cook the Dal: Rinse the toor dal under running water until the water runs clear. In a pressure cooker, add the rinsed dal along with 2 cups of water, turmeric powder, chopped tomatoes, onion, and green chilies. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is soft and mushy.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Meanwhile, chop the mixed vegetables of your choice into bite-sized pieces. You can use a combination of carrots, potatoes, eggplant, okra, or any other vegetables you prefer.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a separate pot, add the chopped vegetables along with a little water and cook until they are tender yet firm.
- Combine the Dal and Vegetables: Once the dal is cooked, mash it well using the back of a spoon or a potato masher. Add the cooked vegetables to the dal and mix well.
- Add Sambar Powder and Tamarind: Stir in the sambar powder and tamarind pulp, adjusting the quantity according to your taste preferences. Season with salt and allow the sambar to simmer for a few minutes until all the flavors meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the sambar with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and aroma. Serve hot with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or vada for a traditional South Indian meal experience.
Sambar Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Cup toor dal split pigeon peas
- 2 Cups Mixed vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, eggplant, okra
- 2 Tomatoes chopped
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 2 Green chilies slit lengthwise
- 1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 Tablespoon Sambar powder
- Tamarind pulp extracted from a lemon-sized ball of tamarind
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Dal: Rinse the toor dal under running water until the water runs clear. In a pressure cooker, add the rinsed dal along with 2 cups of water, turmeric powder, chopped tomatoes, onion, and green chilies. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is soft and mushy.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Meanwhile, chop the mixed vegetables of your choice into bite-sized pieces. You can use a combination of carrots, potatoes, eggplant, okra, or any other vegetables you prefer.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a separate pot, add the chopped vegetables along with a little water and cook until they are tender yet firm.
- Combine the Dal and Vegetables: Once the dal is cooked, mash it well using the back of a spoon or a potato masher. Add the cooked vegetables to the dal and mix well.
- Add Sambar Powder and Tamarind: Stir in the sambar powder and tamarind pulp, adjusting the quantity according to your taste preferences. Season with salt and allow the sambar to simmer for a few minutes until all the flavors meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the sambar with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and aroma. Serve hot with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or vada for a traditional South Indian meal experience.
Notes
- Calories: The calorie content of Sambar can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. On average, a serving of Sambar may contain approximately 150-200 calories.
- Protein: Sambar is a good source of protein, primarily from the lentils (toor dal). A serving typically provides around 8-10 grams of protein, making it a satisfying vegetarian option.
- Carbohydrates: The main source of carbohydrates in Sambar comes from the lentils and vegetables. A serving may contain approximately 20-25 grams of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day.
- Fiber: Sambar is rich in dietary fiber, thanks to the lentils and vegetables. A serving can contribute around 6-8 grams of fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in satiety.
- Fat: Sambar is naturally low in fat, with minimal fat content coming from any added oil or ghee used in the cooking process. A serving typically contains less than 5 grams of fat.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Sambar is packed with essential vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables and spices used. It’s a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, potassium, and other micronutrients that support overall health and well-being.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To prepare this Sambar recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:
- Pressure cooker
- Large pan
- Pot for boiling vegetables
- Chopping board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Sambar tends to thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of water when reheating it on the stove or in the microwave.
FAQs for Sambar Recipe:
- What is Sambar Recipe? Sambar Recipe is a traditional South Indian dish made with lentils, vegetables, tamarind, and spices. It’s a flavorful stew served with rice or idli.
- Can I customize the vegetables in Sambar Recipe? Yes, you can personalize your Sambar Recipe by adding your choice of vegetables such as drumsticks, carrots, potatoes, or eggplants based on preference and availability.
- How long does it take to prepare Sambar Recipe? On average, preparing Sambar Recipe takes around 30-40 minutes, including the time for soaking lentils and cooking vegetables. However, with experience, you can reduce the preparation time.
- Is Sambar Recipe suitable for vegetarians and vegans? Yes, Sambar Recipe is a vegetarian dish and can easily be adapted to suit vegan diets by omitting any dairy-based ingredients such as ghee or yogurt, commonly used as garnishes.
- Can I adjust the spice level in Sambar Recipe? Absolutely! Adjust the amount of chili powder or whole spices like dried red chilies and peppercorns to control the spiciness according to your taste preferences when making Sambar Recipe.
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Food Pairings
Sambar pairs beautifully with a variety of South Indian staples, including:
- Steamed rice
- Idli
- Dosa
- Vada
For a complete meal, serve sambar alongside some coconut chutney and crispy papadum.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey into the heart of South Indian cuisine with our Sambar recipe. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious culinary inspiration. Happy cooking!
