Sambar Recipe: Master the Perfect Ingredients

Introduction

Sambar is a delicious and nutritious South Indian lentil-based vegetable stew. It’s a staple in many households and is often served with rice or dosa. In this blog post, we’ll explore a simple yet flavourful sambar recipe that you can easily make at home.

Ingredients

Here’s a table of ingredients you’ll need to make sambar:

Ingredient	Quantity
Toor dal (split pigeon peas)	1 cup
Mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, pumpkin, etc.)	2 cups, chopped
Tamarind pulp	1 tablespoon
Sambar powder	2 tablespoons
Turmeric powder	1/2 teaspoon
Salt	To taste
Oil	2 tablespoons
Mustard seeds	1 teaspoon
Cumin seeds	1 teaspoon
Curry leaves	1 sprig
Asafoetida (hing)	A pinch
Red chili	2, dried
Coriander leaves	For garnish

Preparation Method

1. Cook the toor dal in a pressure cooker until soft and mushy.
2. In a separate pot, boil the chopped vegetables until tender.
3. Soak tamarind in warm water and extract the pulp.
4. In a large pot, combine the cooked dal, vegetables, and tamarind pulp.
5. Add sambar powder, turmeric, and salt. Mix well and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a small pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. When they splutter, add cumin seeds, curry leaves, asafoetida, and dried red chillies.
7. Pour this tempering over the simmering sambar and mix well.
8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Sambar

• Use a mix of vegetables for a more complex flavour profile.
• Adjust the consistency by adding water if needed.
• Don’t skip the tempering step, as it adds a lot of flavour.
• Fresh curry leaves make a big difference in taste.

Serving Suggestions

Sambar pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed rice
• Dosa or idli
• Vada (savory doughnuts)

Health Benefits

Sambar is not just tasty but also packed with nutrients. The lentils provide protein and fibre, while the vegetables offer various vitamins and minerals.

Eating Sambar regularly can help with digestion, provide sustained energy, and contribute to a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Sambar is a versatile dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. With this recipe, you can bring the flavours of South India to your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy a bowl of homemade sambar today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is sambar?

Sambar is a popular South Indian vegetable curry. It’s a flavorful, tangy, and slightly spicy dish made with lentils, vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices. Sambar is a staple in many South Indian households and is often served with rice, idli, or dosa.

What are the main ingredients in sambar?

The key ingredients in sambar include:

• Toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• Vegetables (such as carrots, eggplant, drumsticks, and okra)
• Tamarind pulp
• Sambar powder (a blend of spices)
• Curry leaves
• Mustard seeds
• Turmeric powder
• Salt

How do I make sambar powder at home?

To make homemade sambar powder:

1. Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and dried red chilies.
2. Grind the roasted spices with curry leaves and asafoetida.
3. Store in an airtight container.

Can I use store-bought sambar powder?

Yes, you can use store-bought sambar powder. Many brands offer good quality sambar powder, which can save time and effort. However, homemade powder often provides a fresher taste.

How long does it take to cook sambar?

Cooking sambar typically takes about 30-40 minutes. This includes the time to cook the lentils, prepare the vegetables, and simmer everything together with the spices.

Can I make sambar in a pressure cooker?

Yes, using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce cooking time. Cook the lentils and vegetables together in the pressure cooker for about 3-4 whistles, then add the tamarind extract and spices, and simmer for a few more minutes.

Is sambar healthy?

Sambar is generally considered a healthy dish. It’s rich in protein from the lentils, fiber from the vegetables, and various vitamins and minerals. The spices used in sambar, like turmeric, also have potential health benefits.

Can I freeze sambar?

Yes, sambar can be frozen for later use. Allow it to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently when ready to eat.

What can I serve with sambar?

Sambar pairs well with:

• Rice
• Idli (steamed rice cakes)
• Dosa (crispy rice and lentil crepes)
• Vada (savory lentil donuts)

How can I adjust the consistency of sambar?

To make sambar thicker, simmer it for longer or add more cooked and mashed toor dal. To thin it out, add some water or vegetable broth. Remember, sambar typically thickens as it cools.

Can I make sambar without tamarind?

While tamarind is a key ingredient in traditional sambar, you can substitute it with lemon juice or tomatoes for a similar tangy flavor. However, the taste will be slightly different from the classic version.

What vegetables work best in sambar?

Common vegetables used in sambar include:

• Carrots
• Eggplant
• Drumsticks
• Okra
• Pumpkin
• Onions
• Tomatoes

Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables.

How spicy is sambar?

The spiciness of sambar can vary based on personal preference and the amount of chili used. Typically, it’s mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat level by changing the number of chilies in your sambar powder or adding more or less red chili powder.

Can I make sambar in advance?

Yes, sambar can be made in advance. It often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Is sambar vegan?

Traditional sambar is vegan as it’s made with only plant-based ingredients. However, some variations might include ghee (clarified butter), so it’s always good to check if you’re eating out.