Sambhar Recipe

Sambhar is a quintessential South Indian dish, known for its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients. This lentil-based stew, packed with vegetables and aromatic spices, pairs perfectly with rice, idli, dosa, or vada.

Ingredients:

For the Dal:

• 1 cup toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Tamarind Extract:

• 1 lemon-sized tamarind ball
• 1 cup warm water

Vegetables (choose any combination):

• 1 small carrot (chopped)
• 5-6 okra (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 drumstick (cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 1 small brinjal (chopped)
• 1 medium-sized tomato (chopped)
• 1 small onion (chopped)

For the Sambhar Masala:

• 2 tablespoons sambhar powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

For Tempering:

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 2 dried red chilies
• 10-12 curry leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves (chopped)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Dal

1. Rinse the toor dal thoroughly under running water.
2. In a pressure cooker, add dal, 2 cups of water, turmeric powder, and salt.
3. Cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is soft and mushy. Mash it well and keep it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Tamarind Extract

1. Soak tamarind in warm water for 10-15 minutes.
2. Squeeze and strain the pulp, discarding the fibers and seeds.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. In a large pan, heat 1 cup of water and add the chopped vegetables.
2. Add turmeric powder, salt, and sambhar powder.
3. Cook until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Combine Dal, Tamarind, and Vegetables

1. Add the cooked dal to the pan of vegetables.
2. Pour in the tamarind extract and mix well.
3. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, adjusting the consistency with water if needed.
4. Add salt and red chili powder as per taste.

Step 5: Prepare the Tempering

1. In a small pan, heat oil or ghee.
2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, curry leaves, and asafoetida.
4. Sauté for a few seconds and pour this tempering over the sambhar.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Stir in freshly chopped coriander leaves.
2. Serve hot with rice, idli, dosa, or vada.

Tips for the Perfect Sambhar:

• Adjust the consistency by adding more or less water.
• Use homemade sambhar powder for the best taste.
• Adding a small piece of jaggery balances the tangy tamarind flavor.
• For an authentic touch, cook sambhar in a clay pot.

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