The Ultimate Sambar Recipe: A Traditional Indian Side Dish

Sambar, a traditional South Indian curry, is a versatile and flavorful accompaniment to Indian meals. It is excellent when served alongside steamed rice, idlis, or dosas. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed recipe, tips for customization, and essential cooking instructions to help you prepare the perfect sambar.

Ingredients

1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas) 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as drumsticks, carrots, beans, eggplant, pumpkin), chopped 1 small onion, chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp 2 tablespoons sambar powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 2-3 dry red chilies A pinch of asafoetida (hing) Curry leaves Coriander leaves, chopped Salt to taste 2 tablespoons oil

For the Sambar Masala

2 tablespoons coriander seeds 1 tablespoon cumin seeds 1 tablespoon chana dal (split Bengal gram) 1 tablespoon urad dal (split black gram) 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds 4-5 dry red chilies 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Instructions

Cook the toor dal in a pressure cooker with water until it becomes soft and mushy. Set it aside. In a pan, dry roast all the ingredients mentioned under 'For the Sambar Masala' until they are aromatic. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds, dry red chilies, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes. Add turmeric powder, sambar powder, and salt. Mix well. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften. Add tamarind pulp and mix well. Cook for a few minutes. Add the cooked toor dal and mix everything together. Adjust the consistency by adding water as needed. Add the ground sambar masala and stir well. Simmer the sambar for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice or idli/dosa.

This recipe provides a basic guideline, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste. Adjust the spice levels, vegetables used, or the thickness of the sambar as desired.

Customization Tips

To enhance the flavor and texture of your sambar, consider the following adjustments:

Spice Level: Increase or decrease the number and type of chilies and asafoetida according to your preference. Vegetables: Add or remove vegetables based on availability or personal taste. You can also include mung beans, okra, or lady fingers. Consistency: For a thinner sambar, add more water or use a lower-to-medium pressure when cooking the toor dal. For a thicker consistency, use a higher pressure or reduce the water content.

Conclusion

Sambar is a delightful and healthy side dish that complements various Indian dishes. By following this recipe, you can create a delicious and authentic sambar that will impress your family and friends. Whether you prefer it spicy, mild, or with a specific set of vegetables, this recipe offers a solid foundation for achieving your desired flavor profile.