How to Make Authentic Sambar at Home

How to Make Authentic Sambar at Home

Angela Joseph

Looking for a comforting and flavorful Indian dish? This Sambar recipe is a perfect choice! A delicious combination of lentils, vegetables, and tangy tamarind, this South Indian dish classic is ideal for pairing with rice, idli, dosa, or vada. Using high-quality spices from Wabhai Foods, you can recreate this easy vegetarian side dish with authentic flavors in the comfort of your home.

 

 

Ingredients

For the Lentils:

  • 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas), washed and soaked
  • 3 cups water
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/4 tsp Wabhai Foods Ground Hing (Asafoetida)

For the Tamarind Mixture:

  • 1 small lemon-sized ball of tamarind, soaked in warm water
  • 1 tbsp jaggery (optional)

Vegetables:

  • 1 drumstick (cut into 3-inch pieces)
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup diced pumpkin or bottle gourd
  • 1 small brinjal (eggplant), diced
  • 1 small tomato, chopped

Spices & Seasoning:

 

Step-by-Step Instructions


1. Cook the Lentils

  • In a pressure cooker, combine the soaked toor dal, turmeric powder, and water.
  • Cook until soft (about 3-4 whistles). Mash the cooked dal and set aside.

2. Prepare the Tamarind Mixture

  • Extract the tamarind pulp from the soaked tamarind and discard the residue. Set the pulp aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables

  • In a deep pot, add the diced vegetables (except tomatoes) with enough water to cover them.
  • Cook until the vegetables are tender. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

4. Combine the Dal, Tamarind, and Vegetables

  • To the cooked vegetables, add the mashed dal and tamarind pulp.
  • Stir in Wabhai Foods Ground Cumin, Wabhai Foods Ground Hing, Wabhai Foods Red Chili Powder, and salt.
  • Let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Prepare the Tempering

  • In a small pan, heat oil or ghee. Add Wabhai Foods Mustard Seeds and let them splutter.
  • Add dried red chilies and curry leaves; sautĂ© for a few seconds.
  • Pour this tempering over the simmering sambar.

6. Serve Hot

  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice, idli, or dosa.

 

 

Cooking Tips

  • Vegetable Choices: Add radish, okra, or potatoes for variation.
  • Consistency: Adjust the water quantity for your preferred sambar consistency.
  • Flavor Boost: Adding a teaspoon of ghee before serving enhances the taste and aroma.

 

 

Why Use Wabhai Foods Spices?

Making an authentic Indian tadka recipe is simple with premium spices from Wabhai Foods. Our products are perfect for creating dishes like spicy lentil curry, vegetarian side dishes, and other homemade comfort food classics.

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