Spicy South Indian Sambar
Sambar is a hearty and flavorful South Indian lentil stew made with toor dal (pigeon peas) and an array of vegetables and spices. This delicious dish is a staple in Indian cuisine, known for its rich taste and aromatic qualities. Perfectly paired with fluffy idlis or steamed white rice, Sambar is not only a comforting meal but also a nutritious addition to your diet. The combination of spices like mustard seeds, hing, and curry leaves creates a delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen, making it a favorite for family gatherings and celebrations.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Toor dal
1/2 cup (Rinsed and drained)
Onions
2 (Chopped)
Tomatoes
6 (Chopped)
Turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Chili powder
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Coriander powder
2 tablespoons (Ground)
Methi seeds
1/4 teaspoon (Roasted and powdered)
Hing (asafoetida powder)
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Tamarind paste
1/2 teaspoon (Prepared)
Black mustard seeds
1 teaspoon (Whole)
Curry leaves
1 sprig (Fresh)
Oil
1 tablespoon (For frying)
Instructions
1
In a pot, boil 1/2 cup of toor dal with 1 1/4 cups of water, turmeric powder, and salt over medium heat until the dal becomes soft and mushy. This will take about 15-20 minutes.
2
Once the dal is cooked, add 2 tablespoons of coriander powder, 3 chopped tomatoes, chili powder, roasted methi powder, hing, and tamarind paste to the pot. Stir well and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3
In a separate frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of black mustard seeds and let them pop. Once they pop, add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are golden brown. Then, add the curry leaves and cook for another minute.
4
Pour the onion and mustard seed mixture into the dal and stir well to combine all ingredients. Adjust salt and spices to taste.
5
Serve hot with fluffy idlis or steamed white rice for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy South Indian Sambar?
Sambar is a hearty and flavorful South Indian lentil stew made with toor dal (pigeon peas) and an array of vegetables and spices.
What are the main ingredients for Sambar?
The main ingredients include toor dal, onions, tomatoes, tamarind paste, and a variety of spices such as mustard seeds, hing, and curry leaves.
How many servings does this Sambar recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the best way to serve Sambar?
It is perfectly paired with fluffy idlis or steamed white rice for a comforting and flavorful meal.
How long does it take to cook the toor dal?
The toor dal takes approximately 15-20 minutes to boil over medium heat until it becomes soft and mushy.
What type of lentils are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of toor dal, also known as pigeon peas.
Is this Sambar recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Sambar is a staple vegetarian and nutritious dish in Indian cuisine.
What spices are used for the Sambar tempering?
The tempering uses black mustard seeds, hing (asafoetida), curry leaves, and onions.
How much water is needed to boil the dal?
You should use 1 1/4 cups of water for 1/2 cup of toor dal.
What is hing and how is it used?
Hing, or asafoetida powder, is a ground spice added to the dal to provide a unique aroma and aid in digestion.
How many tomatoes are required?
This recipe calls for 6 chopped tomatoes to be added to the stew.
What is the role of tamarind paste in Sambar?
Tamarind paste provides the characteristic tangy and sour flavor that defines a traditional Sambar.
How do you prepare the methi seeds?
The 1/4 teaspoon of methi seeds should be roasted and powdered before being added to the pot.
How long should the mixture simmer after adding tomatoes?
After adding tomatoes and spices to the dal, simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What category of cuisine does this dish belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Asian, specifically South Indian cuisine.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include sambar, south indian, dal, lentil stew, vegetarian, healthy, spicy, and comfort food.
What is the preparation for the onions?
Two onions should be chopped and sauteed for about 5 minutes until they are golden brown.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the chili powder and salt to taste during the final mixing stage.
What type of mustard seeds are used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of whole black mustard seeds.
When do I add the curry leaves?
Add the curry leaves to the frying pan after the mustard seeds have popped and the onions are golden brown.
Is Sambar considered a healthy dish?
Yes, it is a nutritious addition to your diet because it combines protein-rich lentils with various spices and vegetables.
How much coriander powder is used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of ground coriander powder.
What is the first step in making this Sambar?
The first step is to boil the rinsed toor dal with water, turmeric powder, and salt until soft.
What is the total count of ingredients?
There are 13 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Should the toor dal be washed?
Yes, the toor dal should be rinsed and drained before boiling.
What provides the yellow color to the dal?
The 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric powder added during boiling gives the dal its yellow color.
What oil should be used for the tempering?
1 tablespoon of oil is used for frying the mustard seeds and onions; any standard cooking oil works.
Does this Sambar contain fiber?
While specific nutritional values aren't listed, the use of lentils and vegetables makes it a naturally fiber-rich dish.
What texture should the dal have?
The dal should be cooked until it is soft and mushy for the best consistency.
How do you incorporate the tempering into the stew?
Once the tempering is cooked in a separate pan, pour the entire onion and mustard seed mixture into the dal and stir well.