SAMBAR

South Indian Sambar (Homemade Sambar Masala)

Sambar is a delicious South Indian lentil soup made with tuvar dal, mixed vegetables, tamarind, and aromatic homemade sambar masala. It is traditionally served with idli, dosa, vada, or steamed rice.

Ingredients for Homemade Sambar Masala

• 1 tbsp chana dal
• 1 tbsp urad dal
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds
• ¼ tsp methi (fenugreek) seeds
• ½ tbsp mustard seeds
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp dry coconut
• ½ tsp hing (asafoetida)
• 3–4 dry red chillies
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• Few curry leaves

Instructions

1. Dry roast all ingredients except hing and turmeric powder over low heat for 3–4 minutes until aromatic and the dals turn golden.
2. Switch off the flame and allow the mixture to cool.
3. Transfer everything to a spice grinder.
4. Add hing and turmeric powder.
5. Grind into a fine powder.
6. Your fresh homemade Sambar Masala is ready.

Preparation for the Dal

• 1 cup tuvar dal

1. Wash and soak the tuvar dal for 10–15 minutes.
2. Pressure cook with 2 cups water and salt for 4–5 whistles over medium heat.

1. Allow the dal to cool and keep aside.

Vegetables for the Sambar

• Tomatoes, chopped
• Onions, sliced
• Whole shallots
• Carrots, chopped
• Drumsticks, cut into small pieces
• Pumpkin, cut into small pieces
• Eggplant (baingan), cut into small pieces

Other Ingredients

• 1–2 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp mustard seeds
• Handful of curry leaves
• 2–3 dry red chillies
• 1–2 tbsp tamarind paste
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• Pinch of hing
• Salt to taste
• Sugar to taste

Prepare the Sambar

1. Heat oil in a kadhai.
2. Add mustard seeds and allow them to crackle.
3. Add dry red chillies and hing.
4. Add curry leaves and fry for a minute.
5. Add sliced onions and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
6. Add all the vegetables.
7. Add a little salt.
8. Cook on medium flame for 2–4 minutes.
9. Add water.
10. Cover and cook the vegetables for 4–5 minutes.
11. Add turmeric powder and red chilli powder.
12. Add tamarind paste.
13. Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
14. Add 1–2 tbsp homemade Sambar Masala.
15. Cook until oil begins to separate from the sides.

1. Add the cooked tuvar dal.
2. Add the whole shallots.
3. Add ½–1 cup hot water according to the desired consistency.

1. Cover and simmer on low flame for 10–15 minutes.
2. Your delicious homemade Sambar is ready.
3. Adjust the consistency by adding more hot water if required.
4. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

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