Sambhar is a popular South Indian lentil stew made with vegetables and tamarind, flavored with a unique blend of spices. It's typically served with rice, dosa, or idli and is a staple in South Indian cuisine.
Details:
- Serving Size: 6
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Type of Meal: Main course
- Type of Cuisine: South Indian
- Total Number of Calories (per serving): 220 calories
- Macros (per serving): Carbohydrates: 30g | Proteins: 12g | Fats: 6g
Ingredients:
- Toor Dal (Pigeon Peas): 1 cup
- Mixed Vegetables: 2 cups (such as carrots, potatoes, beans, and drumsticks, chopped)
- Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Mustard Seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin Seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Dry Red Chilies: 2
- Hing (Asafoetida): 1/4 teaspoon
- Curry Leaves: 10-12
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Tomatoes: 2 large, chopped
- Tamarind Pulp: 2 tablespoons (or tamarind extract from a small lemon-sized tamarind ball)
- KLW Sambar Masala: 2-4 tablespoons
- Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, adjust to taste)
- Jaggery: 1 teaspoon (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- Salt: to taste
- Fresh Coriander Leaves: for garnish
Procedure:
- Preparation:
- Toor Dal: Rinse the toor dal thoroughly. Cook it in a pressure cooker with 2-3 cups of water until soft and mushy (about 3-4 whistles).
- Tamarind: If using tamarind extract, soak it in 1/2 cup warm water and extract the pulp. If using ready tamarind pulp, measure 2 tablespoons.
- Cooking the Sambhar:
- Boil Vegetables: In a large pot, add the chopped vegetables and enough water to cover them. Cook until they are tender (about 10-15 minutes).
- Add Dal: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked toor dal to the pot. Mix well.
- Making the Tempering:
- Heat Oil: In a small pan, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add Seeds & Spices: Add mustard seeds and let them pop. Then, add cumin seeds, dry red chilies, hing, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
- Combine and Cook:
- Add Spices: Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
- Add Tamarind & Spices: Add the tamarind pulp, KLW Sambhar Masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder (optional), and jaggery (optional). Mix well.
- Simmer: Pour this tempering mixture into the pot with dal and vegetables. Stir well and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Adjust the consistency with water if needed.
- Final Touches:
- Taste and adjust the salt as needed.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, dosa, idli, or vada.
Enjoy your flavorful and hearty Sambhar!