Sambar is a traditional South Indian dish made with lentils, vegetables, and a flavorful spice blend. Here’s a recipe for making delicious Sambar at home:
Ingredients :
- 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, drumsticks, okra, pumpkin), chopped
- 2 tablespoons sambar powder (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Navjeevan Tamarind paste (about the size of a small lemon), dissolved in 1 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2-3 dried red chilies
- A pinch of asafoetida (Navjeevan hing)
- Few curry leaves
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Method :
- Wash the toor dal thoroughly and pressure cook it with 2 cups of water until soft and mushy. Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and Navjeevan Hing. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped onions and curry leaves. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
- Add the mixed vegetables, Navjeevan turmeric powder, Navjeevan sambar masala, and salt to taste. Mix well.
- Pour in the tamarind water mixture and bring the sambar to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the vegetables are cooked through.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked toor dal to the pot. Mix well and adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
- Let the sambar simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or vada.
- Enjoy your homemade Sambar with your favorite South Indian dishes! Adjust the spice level and vegetables according to your preference.
