Sambar Recipe – Authentic South Indian Comfort Food

Sambar is one of the most iconic dishes of South India, loved across India and beyond for its wholesome taste, aromatic spices, and nutritious balance. This sambar recipe is not just food; it’s an emotion that connects generations, served with steaming hot idlis, crispy dosas, or fluffy rice. Whether you are looking for a traditional sambar recipe, a quick sambar recipe, or even a healthy sambar recipe.

What is Sambar?

Sambar is a South Indian lentil-based vegetable stew cooked with toor dal (pigeon pea lentils), tamarind, and a freshly ground spice blend called sambar powder. It is mildly tangy, slightly spicy, and packed with vegetables, making it both tasty and nutritious. From Tamil Nadu to Karnataka, Kerala to Andhra Pradesh, every region has its own twist on the sambar recipe.

 Why You’ll Love This Sambar Recipe

• Authentic South Indian sambar recipe with step-by-step instructions.

• Perfectly balances tangy tamarind, aromatic spices, and earthy dal.

• A vegetable sambar recipe that can be customized with your favorite seasonal veggies.

• Healthy, protein-rich, and naturally gluten-free.

• Works beautifully as sambar recipe for idli dosa or with plain steamed rice.

 Ingredients for Sambar Recipe

To make an authentic sambar recipe at home, you’ll need:

For the Dal Base:

• 1 cup toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)

• 3 cups water

• ¼ tsp turmeric powder

• Salt to taste

For Vegetables (choose your mix):

• 1 drumstick (cut into pieces) – classic drumstick sambar recipe

• 1 carrot (chopped)

• ½ cup pumpkin

• 6–7 shallots (for onion sambar recipe)

• 1 tomato (chopped)

• ½ brinjal (optional)

Tamarind Extract:

• Small lemon-sized ball tamarind, soaked in ½ cup warm water

For Sambar Powder (if making fresh):

• 1 tbsp coriander seeds

• 1 tbsp chana dal

• 1 tbsp urad dal

• 4–5 dry red chilies

• 1 tsp fenugreek seeds

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 2 tbsp grated coconut (optional, for Kerala-style sambar recipe)

For Tempering:

• 2 tbsp oil or ghee

• ½ tsp mustard seeds

• 1 sprig curry leaves

• 2 dry red chilies

• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

 Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Sambar

Step 1: Cook the Dal

1. Wash toor dal thoroughly.

2. Pressure cook it with water, turmeric, and a little oil until soft (3–4 whistles).

3. Mash the dal into a smooth consistency. This makes the base of your sambar dal recipe.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. In another pan, cook drumstick, carrots, pumpkin, and shallots with 2 cups water.

2. Add chopped tomato and let everything cook until tender.

Step 3: Tamarind Extract

1. Squeeze soaked tamarind and strain the pulp.

2. Add this to the cooked vegetables along with salt.

Step 4: Add Sambar Powder

1. Mix in 2–3 tbsp sambar powder (homemade or store-bought).

2. Let the mixture simmer for 10–12 minutes until flavors blend beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Dal

1. Add the mashed dal to the vegetable-tamarind mix.

2. Adjust consistency by adding water.

3. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 6: Tempering

1. Heat oil/ghee in a small pan.

2. Add mustard seeds, dry red chilies, curry leaves, and hing.

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

Your delicious homemade sambar recipe is ready!

How to Serve Sambar

• Sambar recipe for idli dosa – Serve hot with soft idlis or crispy dosas, a match made in heaven.

• Sambar with rice – A staple South Indian comfort meal.

• Pair with vadas, uttapams, or even chapati for variety.

 Variations of Sambar Recipe

1. Tamil Nadu Sambar Recipe – Uses small onions (shallots) and drumsticks.

2. Karnataka Sambar Recipe – Slightly sweeter with jaggery.

3. Kerala Sambar Recipe – Uses coconut in the sambar masala.

4. Hotel Style Sambar Recipe – Extra tangy and spiced, served in restaurants.

5. Sambar Recipe Without Sambar Powder – Grind fresh masala using coriander, red chilies, and spices.

6. Healthy Sambar Recipe – Add more leafy greens like spinach or drumstick leaves.

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Quick Sambar Recipe (When You’re in a Hurry)

If you’re looking for a quick sambar recipe, cook toor dal and vegetables together in a pressure cooker, then add tamarind extract and sambar powder. Temper and serve – all in 20 minutes!

Health Benefits of Sambar

• Protein-rich sambar recipe thanks to toor dal.

• Packed with vitamins and fiber from assorted vegetables.

• Tamarind aids digestion and adds antioxidants.

• Naturally gluten-free sambar recipe.

• Low in fat, making it a healthy sambar recipe for daily meals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make sambar without tamarind?
Yes, you can use lemon juice or tomatoes for tanginess.

2. How to make sambar without sambar powder?
Roast coriander seeds, red chilies, fenugreek, cumin, and grind fresh for instant masala.

3. Which dal is best for sambar recipe?
Traditionally, toor dal is used, but you can also mix moong dal or masoor dal.

4. Can I make sambar for Jain diet?
Yes, avoid onions and garlic. Use bottle gourd, pumpkin, or ridge gourd instead.

5. What is the difference between rasam and sambar?
Rasam is a thin, peppery soup, while sambar is thicker, with dal and vegetables.

 Nutrition Facts (per serving – approx.)

• Calories: 180 kcal

• Protein: 8 g

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Fiber: 7 g

• Fat: 5 g

Interesting Facts

This authentic South Indian sambar recipe is versatile, flavorful, and soul-satisfying. Whether you’re making sambar recipe in Tamil style, hotel style sambar recipe, or a simple sambar recipe at home, it’s always comforting and nourishing.

From sambar recipe for idli dosa to vegetable sambar with rice, this dish proves why it’s a staple in every South Indian household. With so many variations like onion sambar recipe, drumstick sambar recipe, or even protein-rich sambar recipe, you’ll never get bored of it.

Try this recipe today, and bring home the taste of authentic sambar.

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