Homemade Sambar Recipe - How to Make Sambar - Traditional Idli Sambar
Ingredients
- Toor Dal - 1 cup
- Salt - To taste
- Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp
- Oil - 2 Tbsp
- Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp
- Methi Seeds - 1/2 tsp
- Dry Red Chilies - 2-3 qty
- Green Chilies - 1-2 qty
- Curry Leaves - 10-12 qty
- Hing - 1/2 tsp
- Onion - 1 large (sliced)
- Tomatoes - 2 medium (chopped)
- Carrot - 1 medium (chopped)
- Eggplant - 1/2 cup (chopped)
- Bottle Gourd - 1/2 cup (chopped)
- Singi or Drumsticks - 8-10 pieces
- Red Chili Powder - 1/2 tsp
- Sambar Powder - 2 tsp
- Tamarind Pulp - 5 Tbsp
- Pearl Onions - 1/2 cup
- Jaggery - 2 tsp
- Water - as required
- Cilantro - 1 tsp (garnish)
Celebrate Onam with a hearty and flavorful Sambar, a quintessential South Indian dish made with toor dal, a variety of fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. This traditional recipe brings together a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment for idli, dosa, or steamed rice.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Sambar. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Sambar calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Instructions
1) In a medium pot, add 1 cup toor dal (washed), salt (to taste), ¼ tsp turmeric powder, and water to completely cover. Cook on low heat until the dal is soft.
2) In a large pot heat 2 Tbsp oil. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds, ½ tsp methi seeds, 2-3 dry red chilies, 10-12 curry leaves ½ tsp hing, and 1-2 chopped green chilies. Let them splutter for a minute to release their flavors.
3) Add 1 large sliced onion and cook for a few minutes until they are soft.
4) Next, stir in 2 chopped medium tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes until they soften.
5) Add ½ cup chopped eggplant, ½ cup bottle gourd, and 8-10 singi / drumstick pieces, and 1 chopped carrot.
Pro Tip: You can add other vegetables like pumpkin if you’d like!
6) Next, add ½ tsp red chili powder, 2 tsp sambar powder, 2-3 Tbsp diluted tamarind pulp, 2 tsp jaggery, ½ cup pearl onions, and the cooked toor dal from earlier. Add some water if needed to adjust the consistency.
7) Cook everything for 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
8) Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with idli or dosa.
Enjoy!
Celebrate Onam with a hearty and flavorful Sambar, a quintessential South Indian dish made with toor dal, a variety of fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. This traditional recipe brings together a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment for idli, dosa, or steamed rice.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Sambar. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Sambar calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
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