Authentic Sambar Recipe: A Flavorful South Indian Delight

Sambar, a quintessential South Indian dish, is a hearty and nutritious lentil-based stew infused with aromatic spices and loaded with vegetables. Whether served with steaming rice, crispy dosa, or fluffy idlis, this dish is a staple in South Indian households and a favorite worldwide.

In this blog, we’ll explore how to make an authentic sambar recipe that captures the traditional flavors while being easy to prepare in your kitchen.

What is Sambar?

Sambar is a dish made with toor dal (pigeon peas), tamarind, and a medley of vegetables, flavored with a unique spice blend called sambar powder. Its tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet profile makes it a versatile dish enjoyed by all.

Ingredients for Sambar -

For the Dal:

- 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)

- 2 cups water

- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder

For the Tamarind Pulp:

- Lemon-sized tamarind ball (soaked in water)

- 1 cup water

Vegetables (choose any combination):

- Drumsticks (moringa)

- Carrots

- Beans

- Brinjal (eggplant)

- Tomatoes

For the Sambar Powder(or use store-bought):

- 2 tbsp coriander seeds

- 1 tsp cumin seeds

- 1 tsp fenugreek seeds

- 4-5 dried red chilies

- 2 tbsp chana dal

- 1 tsp black peppercorns

- 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)

- 1 tsp turmeric powder

For Tempering:

- 2 tbsp ghee or oil

- 1 tsp mustard seeds

- A few curry leaves

- 2-3 dried red chilies

- A pinch of asafoetida

Others:

- Salt to taste

- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Dal

1. Wash the toor dal thoroughly.

2. Pressure cook with turmeric powder and water until soft and mushy. Mash it and set aside.

2. Prepare Tamarind Pulp

1. Soak tamarind in warm water for 10-15 minutes.

2. Extract the pulp and discard the solids.

3. Prepare Sambar Powder

1. Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, chana dal, and red chilies until aromatic.

2. Grind into a fine powder with turmeric and asafoetida.

4. Cook the Vegetables

1. In a pot, boil vegetables with water until tender.

2. Add tamarind pulp and cook for 5 minutes.

5. Combine Everything

1. Add cooked dal to the pot and mix well.

2. Stir in sambar powder, salt, and water to adjust consistency. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

6. Tempering

1. Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

2. Add curry leaves, dried chilies, and asafoetida. Pour this tempering over the sambar.

7. Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice, dosa, or idli.

Tips for Perfect Sambar:

1. Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

2. Adjust tamarind and spice levels based on your taste.

3. Add a teaspoon of jaggery for a subtle sweetness.

Why Sambar is Healthy?

Sambar is rich in protein from dal and fiber from vegetables. It’s low in fat and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome meal.

Conclusion:

This authentic sambar recipe is your gateway to enjoying the rich culinary heritage of South India. Its simplicity, versatility, and irresistible flavor make it a must-try dish. Follow this step-by-step guide to recreate the magic of South Indian kitchens in your home!

Start cooking and let us know how your sambar turned out in the comments below!

Authentic Sambar Recipe: A Flavorful South Indian Delight