Vegetarian Sambar Delight

About this recipe

Discover the rich flavors of a classic South Indian dish with this Vegetarian Sambar recipe. Packed with a variety of vegetables and aromatic spices, this sambar is perfect when served with rice or idli. Easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, it’s a staple that will delight both novice and seasoned cooks.

Ingredients

• 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 potato, chopped
• 1 drumstick, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup tamarind pulp
• 2 tablespoons sambar powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 2 dried red chillies
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 2 tablespoons oil (preferably gingelly or sunflower)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

1. 1

   Rinse and pressure cook the toor dal with turmeric powder and 2 cups of water until smooth.

2. 2

   Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Add cumin, fenugreek seeds, red chillies, and curry leaves.

3. 3

   Add onions and sauté until translucent. Then add tomatoes and cook until soft.

4. 4

   Add carrot, potato, and drumstick. Sauté briefly and add sambar powder.

5. 5

   Stir in the tamarind pulp and 2 cups of water. Season with salt.

6. 6

   Simmer until vegetables are tender.

7. 7

   Blend in the cooked dal and let simmer for 5-10 minutes. Adjust consistency with water if needed.

8. 8

   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.