Sam's Hair Company Group

Introduction

Sambar is one of the most cherished dishes in South Indian cuisine, known for its rich aroma, flavorful spices, and nutritious ingredients. It is a lentil-based stew cooked with vegetables and a unique blend of spices, making it a perfect accompaniment for rice, idli, dosa, and vada. This sambar recipe dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome meal.

Ingredients Required

For Cooking Dal (Lentils)

• 1 cup Toor dal (pigeon peas)

• 2 cups water

• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon ghee (optional)

For Sambar Masala (Spice Mix)

• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds

• 2-3 dried red chilies

• 1 tablespoon chana dal (Bengal gram)

• 1 teaspoon urad dal (black gram)

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon hing (asafoetida)

• 1 sprig curry leaves

• 2 tablespoons grated coconut (optional)

For Vegetables & Tamarind Mix

• 1 small carrot (chopped)

• ½ cup pumpkin (chopped)

• 1 drumstick (cut into 2-inch pieces)

• ½ cup brinjal (chopped)

• 1 tomato (chopped)

• 1 small onion or shallots (peeled)

• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (soaked in ½ cup warm water)

For Tempering (Tadka)

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee

• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1 dried red chili

• 1 sprig curry leaves

• 1 pinch of hing (asafoetida)

For Garnishing

• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves (chopped)

Step-by-Step Sambar Recipe

Step 1: Cooking the Dal

1. Wash the toor dal thoroughly and soak it for 15-20 minutes.

2. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked dal, 2 cups of water, turmeric powder, and a teaspoon of ghee.

3. Cook for 3-4 whistles until the dal turns soft and mushy. Mash it well and keep it aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Sambar Masala

1. In a pan, dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, chana dal, urad dal, and black pepper on low flame until fragrant.

2. Add hing, curry leaves, and grated coconut. Roast for another 1-2 minutes.

3. Let the mixture cool and grind it into a fine powder. This homemade sambar powder enhances the authentic taste.

Step 3: Cooking the Vegetables

1. In a deep pot, heat 1 tablespoon oil and sauté onions until they turn translucent.

2. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.

3. Add carrots, brinjal, pumpkin, and drumstick. Stir well.

4. Pour in the tamarind water and let the vegetables cook for 5-7 minutes until they soften.

Step 4: Combining Dal, Masala & Vegetables

1. Add the cooked dal to the pot along with the prepared sambar masala.

2. Stir well and adjust the consistency by adding water as needed.

3. Let the sambar simmer for 10 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 5: Preparing the Tempering (Tadka)

1. In a small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee.

2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

3. Add cumin seeds, dried red chili, curry leaves, and a pinch of hing.

4. Pour the tempering over the sambar and give it a good mix.

Step 6: Final Touch & Serving

1. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

2. Serve hot with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or vada.
   

Tips for Making the Perfect Sambar

1. Choice of Lentils – Toor dal is traditionally used, but you can mix moong dal for a creamier texture.

2. Vegetable Selection – Drumstick, brinjal, pumpkin, and carrots add the best flavor. You can also use potatoes, beans, or radish.

3. Tamarind Balance – Too much tamarind makes sambar tangy, so adjust the quantity based on your preference.

4. Homemade vs Store-bought Sambar Powder – Freshly ground masala enhances the taste, but store-bought sambar powder can be used for convenience.

5. Consistency Check – The perfect sambar should be neither too thick nor too runny. Adjust water accordingly.

6. Tempering Enhancement – Using ghee for tempering adds richness and a beautiful aroma.
   

Health Benefits of Sambar

A sambar recipe is not only a treat to the taste buds but also a powerhouse of nutrients.

• Rich in Protein – Toor dal provides essential plant-based protein.

• High in Fiber – The mix of lentils and vegetables aids digestion and promotes gut health.

• Packed with Antioxidants – The use of turmeric, curry leaves, and tamarind offers anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Low in Calories – Sambar is a wholesome, low-calorie meal perfect for weight watchers.

Conclusion

Sambar is a quintessential South Indian dish that blends flavors, nutrition, and comfort in one bowl. Whether paired with idli, dosa, or rice, it never fails to impress. With the right combination of lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices, you can make an authentic and delicious sambar at home.