5 Easy Sambar Recipes for Bachelors

As a bachelor, finding the right balance between a hearty meal and simplicity in cooking is an art. Sambar, a South Indian staple, is your go-to solution when you need something delicious yet easy to prepare. This post will guide you through five unique sambar recipes that you can whip up with minimal effort. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or just looking for quick meal ideas, these recipes will add variety to your weeknight dinners.

Classic Tomato Onion Sambar

Let's start with the basics. A classic tomato onion sambar is simple, flavorful, and pairs well with rice, idli, or dosa.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pigeon peas (toor dal)
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 tbsp tamarind paste
• 1 tbsp sambar powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1-2 dry red chillies
• Curry leaves
• Oil for seasoning

Steps:

1. Pressure cook the toor dal with water and a pinch of turmeric until soft.
2. In a pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and dry red chillies. Let them crackle.
3. Add onions, sauté until translucent, then add tomatoes and cook until they soften.
4. Add tamarind paste, sambar powder, and salt. Mix well.
5. Pour in the cooked dal and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Finish with a tempering of curry leaves and serve hot.

🍲 Note: This sambar is great for reheating, making it ideal for multiple servings or leftovers.

Mixed Vegetable Sambar

For a more diverse nutrient profile, here’s a mixed vegetable sambar recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pigeon peas (toor dal)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like carrots, beans, eggplant, pumpkin)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp tamarind paste
• 1 tbsp sambar powder
• Salt to taste
• Seasoning items as above

Steps:

1. Cook the dal until mushy.
2. In a pan, sauté onions with spices for the seasoning.
3. Add mixed vegetables, cook for a few minutes.
4. Add tamarind paste, sambar powder, and salt. Cook until vegetables are tender.
5. Mix with the cooked dal, bring to a gentle boil.
6. Garnish with coriander and serve.

Drumstick Sambar

Drumstick, or moringa, adds a unique flavor to sambar:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pigeon peas (toor dal)
• 3-4 drumsticks, cut into 3-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp tamarind paste
• 1 tbsp sambar powder
• Salt to taste
• Seasoning items as above

Steps:

1. Cook the dal until very soft.
2. In a pot, prepare the tempering.
3. Add the drumsticks, cook until they soften slightly.
4. Stir in tamarind paste, sambar powder, salt, and mix well.
5. Add the cooked dal, simmer, then serve with a squeeze of lime for freshness.

Instant Pot Sambar

If you're using modern kitchen gadgets, this instant pot sambar recipe simplifies everything:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pigeon peas (toor dal)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tbsp tamarind paste
• 1 tbsp sambar powder
• Salt to taste
• Seasoning items

Steps:

1. Add all ingredients except seasoning to the instant pot.
2. Set to cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
3. Naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then manually release.
4. Prepare the seasoning and mix into the cooked sambar.
5. Serve hot, ideally with rice or rotis.

Radish Sambar

Radish adds a punchy flavor that makes this sambar stand out:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pigeon peas (toor dal)
• 1 large radish, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp tamarind paste
• 1 tbsp sambar powder
• Salt to taste
• Seasoning items

Steps:

1. Cook the dal.
2. In a separate pan, heat oil and add seasoning.
3. Add radish and onions, sauté until radish is halfway cooked.
4. Combine with dal, add tamarind, sambar powder, and salt. Simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Serve with a garnish of fresh coriander.

These five sambar recipes offer a variety of flavors while keeping your time in the kitchen to a minimum. From the comforting classic tomato onion sambar to the surprising radish sambar, each recipe brings its own unique touch to the table. Not only do these dishes provide nourishment, but they also bring a taste of South India's rich culinary heritage right into your home. Each sambar variant can be adjusted for spice level or thickness, allowing for personal culinary exploration.

📝 Note: Sambar is versatile; you can customize it with your preferred vegetables or even lentils to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Can sambar be made without tamarind?

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Yes, you can substitute tamarind with lemon juice or even kokum for the sour taste.

Is sambar healthy?

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Absolutely. Sambar is rich in proteins from lentils and vitamins from vegetables, making it a nutritious choice.

How long can I store homemade sambar?

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In the refrigerator, sambar can last up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.