Ever craved a delightful, rich, and aromatic stew that brings together the best of Indian cuisine? Look no further! This All-Veg Sambar Recipe will make your taste buds sing with joy! Sambar, a quintessential South Indian dish, is not only a perfect balance of spicy and tangy flavors but also an excellent source of nutrition, thanks to its medley of vegetables and lentils.
What is Sambar?
Sambar is a vegetable and lentil stew, known for its distinctive flavor, which comes from a special blend of spices called the Sambar Masala. It’s usually served with:
- Rice
- Idli (steamed rice cakes)
- Dosa (a thin, crispy pancake)
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for this delicious Sambar:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Toor Dal (Pigeon Peas) | 1 cup |
| Mixed Vegetables (like drumstick, carrot, eggplant) | 2 cups |
| Tamarind Paste | 1 tbsp |
| Sambar Powder | 2 tbsp |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 tsp |
| Curry Leaves | A few |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1⁄4 tsp |
| Turmeric Powder | 1⁄2 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Vegetable Oil or Ghee | 2 tbsp |
| Chopped Coriander | 1⁄4 cup |
| Water | 4 cups |
The Preparation
Making Sambar is quite simple if you follow these steps:
Step 1: Preparing the Lentils
Cook 1 cup of Toor Dal with 3 cups of water in a pressure cooker until soft and mushy. This usually takes about 3-4 whistles in a regular cooker.
🍲 Note: Ensure the lentils are well-cooked; they should be easily mashable.
Step 2: Creating the Base
While the dal is cooking, soak the tamarind in warm water, extract the pulp, and set it aside. In a pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil or ghee, add mustard seeds, and let them splutter. Then add curry leaves, asafoetida, and turmeric powder, stirring briefly.
Step 3: Cooking Vegetables
Add chopped vegetables to the pan, pour in the tamarind water, add salt, and let it cook until the vegetables are tender. If the water evaporates too quickly, add more.
Step 4: Integrating Sambar Powder
Once the vegetables are cooked, reduce the heat, stir in the Sambar powder, and cook for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Combining Lentils and Vegetables
Add the cooked lentils to the vegetable mixture, adjusting the consistency with water to achieve the desired thickness. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
Step 6: Final Touches
Garnish with chopped coriander, and if you like, perform a final tadka with more mustard seeds, dried red chilies, and a hint of oil for an extra layer of flavor.
In wrapping up this culinary journey, it's clear that Sambar isn't just food; it's a celebration of flavors, a comforting embrace from the rich South Indian kitchen. This traditional stew, with its balanced harmony of spice and tang, offers not only a burst of taste but also a treasure trove of nutrition. Enjoyed across the subcontinent, Sambar adapts to various regional tastes while holding steadfast to its authentic taste, making it a true masterpiece of Indian cuisine.
Can Sambar be frozen?
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Yes, Sambar can be frozen for up to a month. Just ensure to cool it completely before freezing. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What are some alternative ingredients for Sambar?
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While traditional vegetables like drumsticks and carrots are common, you can also experiment with pumpkin, tomatoes, and even spinach for different flavors and textures.
How do you adjust the consistency of Sambar?
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If Sambar is too thick, simply add water gradually until you reach the desired consistency. For a thicker Sambar, let it cook longer to reduce the liquid.
Is there a way to make Sambar less spicy?
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Yes, reduce or omit the red chilies or chili powder in the Sambar powder mix, and you can also balance the heat with more tamarind or a spoonful of yogurt.
