The aroma and taste of authentic Bombay Street Sambar are unique, encapsulating the vibrancy of Indian street food. This iconic dish, with its rich, tangy, and spicy flavors, is a testament to the depth of Indian culinary tradition. Whether you've tasted it on the bustling streets of Mumbai or are seeking to experience it for the first time, this guide will walk you through five easy steps to make authentic Bombay Street Sambar right in your kitchen.
Gathering the Right Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, having all the right ingredients at hand is crucial. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Lentils: Toor dal (split pigeon peas) forms the base of your sambar.
- Vegetables: Drumsticks, eggplant, potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin are commonly used. However, feel free to experiment.
- Spices: A blend of coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, black pepper, turmeric, and asafoetida (hing).
- Tamarind: To add that quintessential tanginess.
- Sambar Powder: You can make this at home or use store-bought.
- Oil: For tempering the spices.
- Herbs: Fresh curry leaves and coriander leaves.
- Others: Salt, onions, tomatoes, and green chilies.
🍲 Note: Pre-soaking the toor dal can significantly reduce cooking time.
Preparing the Lentils and Vegetables
Start with:
- Soaking the toor dal for about 30 minutes.
- Chopping your vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Extracting tamarind juice from the pulp by soaking it in warm water, then straining.
🍳 Note: Drumsticks take longer to cook; you might want to add them first or parboil them.
Cooking the Sambar Base
Here’s how you create the foundation for your sambar:
- Cook the soaked toor dal in a pressure cooker with turmeric and a pinch of salt until soft.
- In another pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, allowing them to pop. Then add cumin, fenugreek seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves.
- Add chopped onions and green chilies, sautéing until translucent, followed by chopped tomatoes. Cook until they soften.
- Add the chopped vegetables, cooking them for a few minutes with some salt. Add water, cover, and cook until tender.
- Once the vegetables are almost done, pour in the tamarind juice, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
🍲 Note: Sambar thickens as it cools; keep this in mind when adjusting the consistency.
Spicing and Blending the Sambar
The flavor of sambar largely depends on:
- Mixing sambar powder with water to form a paste. Add this to the vegetable mixture and cook for a few minutes.
- Mash the cooked lentils with the back of a spoon or use a blender for a smoother consistency before combining with the vegetables.
- Let the sambar simmer on a low flame for the flavors to meld, adding more water if needed for the desired consistency.
🌿 Note: Adjust the heat level by adding or reducing the sambar powder or green chilies.
The Final Touch - Tempering
Finish your sambar with a traditional tadka (tempering):
- Heat a small amount of oil or ghee in a small pan.
- Add mustard seeds, dried red chilies, a pinch of asafoetida, and curry leaves. Once they splutter, pour this over your sambar.
- Stir well and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
🔥 Note: The tempering adds a burst of flavor and aroma to the sambar.
To craft authentic Bombay Street Sambar, the preparation involves meticulous attention to detail, from gathering the right ingredients to the final tempering step. Every component, whether it's the blend of spices, the choice of vegetables, or the tempering, plays a crucial role in defining the dish's character. By following these steps, you can bring the essence of Mumbai's street food to your dining table. Savor the rich, tangy, and spicy flavors of this beloved Indian dish, knowing that you've captured its authenticity through dedication and care.
What makes Bombay Street Sambar different from other sambars?
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Bombay Street Sambar often uses a unique blend of spices and incorporates a wide variety of vegetables, reflecting the bustling and diverse flavors of Mumbai. It also has a balanced sweet-tangy-spicy taste, which sets it apart.
Can I use pre-made sambar powder?
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Yes, pre-made sambar powder can be used, but for an authentic taste, consider making your own or selecting one from a reputable brand known for authentic South Indian spices.
Is Sambar vegan?
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Traditional Sambar is vegan as it primarily consists of lentils, vegetables, and spices. However, some might use ghee for tempering, which is not vegan. You can easily substitute this with oil to make it vegan.
What can I serve with Sambar?
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Sambar pairs well with:
- Idli
- Dosa
- Vada
- Rice
