🍲 Sambar Recipe – Authentic South Indian Toor Dal with Vegetables

Sambar is a flavorful South Indian lentil stew made with toor dal (pigeon peas), tamarind, assorted vegetables, and a unique spice blend known as sambar powder. This dish is a staple in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, enjoyed with idli, dosa, vada, or rice.

This healthy, protein-rich, vegan, and gluten-free dish is a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavors.

🛒 Ingredients for Sambar (Serves 4–5)

Main Ingredients:

• Toor dal (pigeon peas) – 1 cup

• Tamarind – lemon-sized ball (or 2 tbsp tamarind paste)

• Water – 4–5 cups

• Salt – to taste

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

Vegetables (use a mix of your choice):

• Drumstick – 1, cut into pieces

• Carrot – 1, diced

• Brinjal (eggplant) – 1, chopped

• Pumpkin – ½ cup, cubed

• Lady’s finger (okra) – 4–5, chopped

• Tomato – 1 large, chopped

• Onion or shallots – ½ cup

Spice Mix & Tempering:

• Sambar powder – 2 tbsp (store-bought or homemade)

• Red chili powder – ½ tsp (optional for extra spice)

• Oil – 2 tbsp

• Mustard seeds – 1 tsp

• Fenugreek seeds – ¼ tsp

• Dried red chilies – 2

• Curry leaves – 8–10

• Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch

• Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish

🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation – Sambar Recipe

Step 1 – Cook Toor Dal

1. Wash toor dal 2–3 times until water runs clear.

2. In a pressure cooker, add dal, 2½ cups water, turmeric, and a pinch of salt.

3. Cook for 3–4 whistles until dal is soft and mushy.

4. Mash the dal with a spoon and keep aside.

Step 2 – Prepare Tamarind Extract

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

2. Squeeze to extract pulp and strain to remove seeds/fiber.

Step 3 – Cook Vegetables

1. In a deep pot, add vegetables (except okra), 2 cups water, turmeric, and a little salt.

2. Boil until vegetables are soft but not mushy.

3. In a separate small pan, sauté okra in a teaspoon of oil for 3–4 minutes to remove stickiness; set aside.

Step 4 – Add Spices & Dal

1. Once vegetables are cooked, add tamarind pulp and bring to a boil.

2. Add sambar powder, red chili powder, and mix well.

3. Stir in cooked toor dal, fried okra, and ½–1 cup water to adjust consistency.

4. Simmer for 8–10 minutes so flavors combine.

Step 5 – Tempering (Tadka)

1. Heat oil in a small pan.

2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

3. Add fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, curry leaves, and hing.

4. Pour tempering over the sambar and mix well.

Step 6 – Garnish & Serve

1. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

2. Serve hot with idli, dosa, steamed rice, or pongal.

🍛 Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast: Serve with idli or dosa for a traditional South Indian start to the day.

• Lunch/Dinner: Pair with steamed rice, papad, and pickle.

• Festive Meal: Include in a South Indian thali with rasam, poriyal, curd rice, and payasam.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

💡 Tips for Perfect Sambar

• Homemade Sambar Powder: For best flavor, roast coriander seeds, chana dal, dry red chilies, fenugreek, cumin, and grind to make fresh sambar masala.

• Vegetable Variety: Use seasonal vegetables like beans, turnip, or radish for variations.

• Balance Flavors: Adjust tamarind for tanginess and jaggery (optional) for a subtle sweetness.

• Consistency: Sambar should be slightly thick yet pourable.

🌟 Why This Recipe Works

• Authentic South Indian taste with balanced spices.

• Nutritious – rich in protein, fiber, and minerals.

• Versatile – perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

• Beginner-friendly – easy steps and common ingredients.

📍 Location & Origin

• Cuisine: South Indian

• Region: Popular across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana

• Best Served With: Idli, dosa, medu vada, steamed rice, or pongal

Background:
Sambar originated in Tamil Nadu, with historical roots tracing back to the Maratha king Shahuji in the 17th century. Over centuries, it has become a breakfast, lunch, and dinner essential across South India. Each region has its variation, but the soul of the dish—toor dal, tamarind, and spices—remains constant.

Interesting Facts :-
This Sambar Recipe brings the soul of South Indian cooking to your table. Whether you’re serving it with idli, dosa, or rice, this tangy, spicy, and aromatic dal will make your meal wholesome and satisfying.