Authentic South Indian Sambar Recipe
Sambar is a flavorful and nutritious South Indian dish, traditionally served with rice, idli, or dosa. This authentic sambar recipe will guide you through the process of making this delicious and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas), rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, drumsticks, eggplant, and okra), chopped
- 2 small tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup tamarind pulp
- 2 tsp sambar powder
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 2-3 whole red chilies, dried
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt, to taste
- Chopped coriander leaves, for garnishing
Instructions:
- In a pressure cooker, add the soaked toor dal, turmeric powder, and 3 cups of water. Cook for 3-4 whistles, then release the pressure and mash the cooked dal.
- In a large pot, combine the mixed vegetables, tomatoes, onion, tamarind pulp, sambar powder, and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are cooked.
- Add the mashed dal to the pot with the vegetables and mix well. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust salt to taste.
- In a small pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them crackle. Then add the asafoetida, curry leaves, and dried red chilies, and fry for a few seconds.
- Pour this tempering mixture into the sambar and mix well. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with rice, idli, or dosa.
