Sambar Curry

 How to Make Sambar: 

Traditional South Indian Recipe

Sambar is one of the most important dishes in South Indian cuisine. It is very nutritious and flavorful, and this stew made of lentils with tamarind and spices tastes very good with rice, idli, dosa, or vada. Here's a step-by-step guide to making authentic sambar at home.

Ingredients Needed

To Prepare the Dal (Lentils)

•  1 cup toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)

•  3 cups water

•  ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

•  1 teaspoon oil

For the Tamarind Extract

•  Small lemon-sized tamarind ball

•  ½ cup warm water

Vegetables (You Can Use Any of These)

•  1 drumstick (cut into pieces)

•  1 carrot (chopped)

•  5-6 shallots or 1 onion (chopped)                  

•  1 tomato (chopped)

•  ½ cup pumpkin (cubed)

•  ½ cup brinjal/eggplant (chopped)

•  1 green chili (slit)

For the Spice Mix (Sambar Powder or Freshly Made)

•  2 tablespoons sambar powder (store-bought or homemade)

          OR

•  1 tablespoon coriander seeds

•  ½ teaspoon cumin seeds

•  ½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds

•  2 dried red chilies

•  1 tablespoon chana dal (Bengal gram)

•  1 teaspoon black peppercorns

• 1 teaspoon grated coconut (optional)

For Tempering (Tadka)

•  2 teaspoons oil (preferably coconut or sesame oil)

•  1 teaspoon mustard seeds

•  1 teaspoon cumin seeds

•  1 sprig curry leaves

•  2 dried red chilies

• 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)

For Garnishing

• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves (chopped)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Dal

1.  Rinse the toor dal thoroughly in water.

2.  In the pressure cooker add the dal, turmeric, 1 tsp oil, and 3 cups of water

3.  Cook for 3-4 whistles over medium heat, until the dal is soft and mushy.

4.  Once cooked mash the dal properly and keep aside.

Step 2: Preparation of Tamarind Extract

1.  Soak tamarind in ½ cup of warm water for about 10 minutes

2.  Squeeze the pulp and remove the seeds or fiber.

Step 3: Cooking the vegetables

1.  In a large pot add all the cut up vegetables, plus 2 cups of water

Add in some turmeric, and some small amount of salt. All that will now soften

Step 4 Add the Spice Mix

•  Use pre-made store bought sambar powder, two tbsp.

•  Fresh sambar spice mix: Roast the coriander seeds, cumin, fenugreek, red chilies, and chana dal until aromatic. Grind them into fine powder and use in the preparation of sambar.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

1. Add the extract of tamarind to the cooked vegetables. Let it cook for 5 minutes.

2. Add mashed dal and stir well.

3. If desired, add a little water and adjust the consistency.

4. Let the sambar boil again for 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)

1. Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a small pan.

2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

3. Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, red chilies, and asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds.

4. Pour this tempering over the sambar and mix well.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves.

• Serve hot with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or vada.

Tips for the Perfect Sambar

✅ Fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and tamarind make it taste good.

✅ Balance the tanginess: Use as much tamarind and spice as you want.

✅ Slow simmering: This will make it rich in flavor.

✅ Use ghee for extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of ghee while serving and it is simply delicious.

Enjoy your homemade, flavorful, and nutritious sambar! Try this recipe and let me know. Happy cooking!