Sambar Recipe - Traditional Tamil Lentil Vegetable Stew

Authentic Tamil sambar recipe with toor dal and vegetables. This tangy, spicy lentil stew is the perfect accompaniment to idli, dosa, and rice.

• 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 drumstick, cut into pieces
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 10-12 pearl onions
• 1/4 cup tamarind extract
• 2 tbsp sambar powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water
• For tempering: 1 tbsp oil, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds, few curry leaves, 2 dry red chilies
• Coriander leaves for garnish

1. 1

   Pressure cook toor dal with 3 cups water and a pinch of turmeric for 3-4 whistles until soft and mushy.

2. 2

   Mash the cooked dal well using a masher or whisk.

3. 3

   In a large pot, add chopped vegetables, tamarind extract, sambar powder, turmeric, and salt.

4. 4

   Add 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Cook vegetables until tender (about 10 minutes).

5. 5

   Add the mashed dal to the vegetables. Mix well and bring to a simmer.

6. 6

   Adjust consistency by adding water if too thick. The sambar should have a soupy consistency.

7. 7

   Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.

8. 8

   For tempering: Heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds, let them splutter.

9. 9

   Add fenugreek seeds, dry red chilies, and curry leaves. Fry for 30 seconds.

10. 10

    Pour the tempering over the sambar. Mix well and garnish with coriander leaves.

Per serving. Values are approximate.